Modernist Pomegranate Sculptural Figurine
Decorative Object / Paperweight · Unknown Contemporary Maker; likely an artisan workshop or high-end gift brand. It lacks the specific stylistic hallmarks of major houses like Tiffany & Co. or Christofle.
Pattern: Naturalistic 'Pomegranate' Botanical Form; not part of a standardized flatware or hollowware pattern.
Type
Decorative Object / Paperweight
Maker
Unknown Contemporary Maker; likely an artisan workshop or high-end gift brand. It lacks the specific stylistic hallmarks of major houses like Tiffany & Co. or Christofle.
Material
Rose Gold-washed Sterling Silver or Electroplated Copper/Bronze. The intense copper/pink hue suggests a heavy rose gold vermeil or a copper-based alloy. It is likely hollow or weighted.
Dimensions
Estimated 3-4 inches in width and 3.5 inches in height based on the scale of the accompanying remote control. Estimated weight: 150-250 grams if weighted.
Description
This is a polished metal sculpture of a pomegranate, featuring a bulbous body and a flared, crown-like calyx. Its surface is finished in a brilliant rose-gold or copper tone, providing a warm, modern aesthetic. The piece captures the organic silhouette of the fruit while maintaining a sleek, minimalist design language that fits well in mid-century modern or contemporary interiors.
Key Features
Seamless sculptural form, flared calyx detail, warm rose-metal finish, and stable flat-bottomed base.
Material & Composition
Rose Gold-washed Sterling Silver or Electroplated Copper/Bronze. The intense copper/pink hue suggests a heavy rose gold vermeil or a copper-based alloy. It is likely hollow or weighted.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with a warm vermeil or copper-toned wash. The decoration is purely sculptural, mimicking the organic bulbous shape and calyx (crown) of a pomegranate fruit.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks are clearly visible in the image. A small circular indentation near the base may contain a purity mark (e.g., 925) or a maker's mark, but it is too blurred to identify.
Construction Details
Likely hollow-cast or electroformed. The smooth transitions and 'crowning' calyx suggest a mold-based process rather than hand-raising from a flat sheet.
Functional Features
Purely decorative; however, the flattened base allows it to function as a paperweight or a shelf-top accent piece.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; no handles or grips. The object is designed to be gripped by the body of the fruit.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-polished with evidence of casting seams possibly polished out. The quality of the calyx points is uniform, suggesting a precision mold.
Authentication Indicators
The lack of visible, sharp hallmarks suggests this may be plated rather than solid sterling silver. The weight and a professional acid test would be required for a definitive metal ID.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in a commercial workshop in Italy, Israel (where the pomegranate is a common symbol), or China. The quality appears to be mass-market decorative grade.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Late 20th to 21st Century. The minimalist, high-gloss naturalism is consistent with modern giftware trends.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990–Present. The surface finish and lack of historical patina suggest a relatively modern production date.
Cultural Significance
In Jewish culture, the pomegranate represents righteousness; in Mediterranean cultures, it signifies abundance and hospitality.
Condition Notes
Good condition with signs of surface tarnish and oxidation (dark spots), particularly around the 'shoulder' of the fruit. Shows light surface scratching and fingerprints consistent with handling.
Value Estimate
$30 - $75 if plated; $150 - $300 if solid sterling silver from a known boutique maker.
Care & Maintenance
Polish with a soft microfiber cloth and a gentle silver foam if sterling; if plated, avoid abrasive cleaners that could strip the rose-gold wash. Store in a dry environment.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. sterling fruit figurines (typically more detailed), Michael Aram pomegranate vessels (often textured or oxidized), and various Israeli silver smiths (Hazorfim).
Interesting Facts
The pomegranate is a multi-cultural symbol of fertility, prosperity, and wisdom, making these popular gifts for housewarmings and weddings.