It's all about his story, it's all about history!
During our searches for unique historical objects, we always hope to find that one piece. It must make history tangible. Recently, we were able to add an object to our collection. This particular example meets all these requirements. It is a monumental bronze three-legged cooking pot. In the Low Countries, it is better known as a ‘grape’. In short, this example is not just a utilitarian object. It is a rare masterpiece from the world of Antique early metal.
A Heavy-Lidded Witness from the Baroque Period
When we talk about objects from the High-Epoque, The chances of survival for large metal objects are small. This applies to the early art periods up to around 1700. Bronze was at that time a valuable and strategic raw material. In times of war or economic scarcity, large household pots were mass-moulded. Then cannons or church bells were poured into them.
Therefore, it is a small miracle that this grape has survived the centuries. The pot is 26 cm high and weighs a whopping 8.8 kg. This extreme weight is directly explained by the artisanal casting technique. The piece dates back to the second half of the 17th century (approx. 1650–1690). Moreover, the three characteristic legs are fully cast in solid metal. This method required an enormous amount of liquid metal. This indicates a generous, early casting process in a handmade sand mold. Additionally, the rough casting seams at the base of the legs still testify to this pure handwork.
Heraldic Symbolism within the Ancient Early Metal Age
This object transforms from an early cooking pot into a historical work of art. This is due to the hand-carved Baroque relief on the front. On it, the two-headed imperial eagle of the Holy Roman Empire can be seen. The eagle has a striking breastplate. In it, the letter ‘S’ infused.
Within the study of Antique early metal This heraldry contains two fascinating theories.
- Regional Origin: The two-headed eagle with the letter ‘S’ points strongly in the direction of an Imperial Imperial City. This concerns the Swiss-German border area, such as Solothurn or the region of Wallis (Sion). These independent cities carried the imperial eagle with pride. They combined it with the initial letter of their own city.
- Quality guarantee: In the 17th century, the ‘S’ on a cast iron object was often also a symbol for Food (clockwork). This was the term for a superior bronze alloy with a high tin content. This specific composition gave the pot a clear, clock-like sound. Moreover, it ensured that the pot was resistant to the intense heat of an open hearth fire. For more academic background on the evolution of this type of cookware and metal alloys, you can consult the documentation on Baroque tableware on the official website of the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam.
The Beauty of Unadulterated Original State
For the connoisseur and the serious collector of Antique early metal The true value lies in the untouched details. The underside shows a rough, authentic casting patina. This is surrounded by a deep, natural green-white copper oxidation. This specific patina forms solely through centuries of intensive use. The pot was in constant contact with ash, soot, and moisture.
In addition, the interior is still adorned with the original, layered remnants of the historical rigging. This was necessary at the time to prevent acids from the food from reacting with the toxic copper green. Finally, the pot comes complete with the original, hand-forged iron handle. This handle still rests in the triangular ears. As a result, this object is a dream for any lover of early history.
A Focal Point in the Modern Interior
Today we see a strong trend among collectors and interior designers. They combine objects from Antique early metal With a clean, modern design. The rugged, dark appearance and monumental mass of this Swiss grape make it the ultimate ‘conversation piece’ in a high-end interior. It reminds us that true beauty lies in objects that carry a history with them.
Then take a look at the product page in our store at hisstoryantiques.nl for all the detailed photos and specifications.
