Late 19th Century French Louis XV Revival Style . Sterling Silver Handle Gilt Copper Petal-Shaped Tea Strainer Spoon

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Revival Style . Sterling Silver Handle Gilt Copper Petal-Shaped Tea Strainer Spoon This exquisite tea accessory hails from the Belle Époque, a period of refined elegance at the close of the 19th century in France. It masterfully blends the ornate curves of the Louis XV Revival style with the romantic vocabulary of Neo-Rococo, elevating the everyday ritual of tea into a lifestyle aesthetic imbued with a sense of occasion. ⸻ ● Key Features • French Silversmith Craftsmanship: The handle bears the "Minerva" sterling silver hallmark, signifying French sterling silver standards, a testament to its exquisite and reliable artistry. • Louis XV Revival Style: Richly adorned with volutes and rocaille motifs, its lines are filled with dynamism and fluidity. • Petal-Shaped Strainer Face: The strainer is designed like a blooming flower, with a golden, radially structured surface that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. • Dual Material Contrast: The interplay between the silver handle and the gilt copper strainer creates an elegant two-tone layering, offering a superb visual effect. • Ergonomic Design: The finial features an embossed sphere, providing both weight balance and a stable, comfortable grip. ⸻ ● Dimensions & Pricing • Overall Length: Approx. 18.5 cm • Strainer Diameter: Approx. 5.5 cm ⸻ ● Material Description • Handle: French Sterling Silver (Minerva Hallmark) • Strainer Face: Gilt Copper ⸻ ● Value and Collectibility This piece is a quintessential example of "Belle Époque silver tea ware," possessing both practical utility and decorative value. Its distinct Neo-Rococo characteristics, coupled with complete silversmith hallmarks, make it highly recognizable and stable in the collector's market. For enthusiasts of antique European tea ware or French silverware, this item represents a mature and display-worthy acquisition. ⸻ ● Condition Description • Overall in excellent condition, with the silver and gilt surfaces retaining their original structure and detail. • Minor signs of use consistent with the normal patina of a century-old antique. • No structural damage, fully functional.