"The Venus Rosewater Dish" A Victorian Sterling silver sideboard dish
"The Venus Rosewater Dish" A Victorian Sterling silver sideboard dish
Hallmarks for Robert Garrard, London 1874
The Venus Rosewater Dish is one of the most famous trophies in sport. It has been awarded to the Wimbledon Ladies' Singles champion since 1886. Rather than a traditional cup, it is a large silver salver, or decorative dish, measuring almost 19 inches (48 cm) across.
The dish was made in 1864 by the Birmingham silversmiths Elkington & Co. It is based on a Renaissance design by the German artist Caspar Enderlein, which was
...
Hallmarks for Robert Garrard, London 1874
The Venus Rosewater Dish is one of the most famous trophies in sport. It has been awarded to the Wimbledon Ladies' Singles champion since 1886. Rather than a traditional cup, it is a large silver salver, or decorative dish, measuring almost 19 inches (48 cm) across.
The dish was made in 1864 by the Birmingham silversmiths Elkington & Co. It is based on a Renaissance design by the German artist Caspar Enderlein, which was
itself inspired by an even earlier 16th-century pewter basin.
Its detailed decoration is rich in classical symbolism. At the centre is the figure of Temperance, holding a lamp and a jug, while the surrounding designs include mythological figures, the four elements, and the seven liberal arts. These decorative features reflect the artistic style of the Renaissance rather than the sport of tennis.
The Wimbledon Venus Rosewater Dish remains the property of the All England Club. Today, champions lift the historic trophy during the presentation ceremony before receiving a three-quarter-size replica to keep. The names of every Wimbledon ladies' singles champion are engraved on the dish, making it both a beautiful work of art and a lasting record of the tournament's history.
12326
Dimensions
 across.The dish was made in 1864 by the Birmingham silversmiths Elkington & Co. It is based on a Renaissance design by the German artist Caspar Enderlein, which was itself inspired by an even earlier 16th-century pewter basin.Its detailed decoration is rich in classical symbolism. At the centre is the figure of Temperance, holding a lamp and a jug, while the surrounding designs include mythological figures, the four elements, and the seven liberal arts. These decorative features reflect the artistic style of the Renaissance rather than the sport of tennis.The Wimbledon Venus Rosewater Dish remains the property of the All England Club. Today, champions lift the historic trophy during the presentation ceremony before receiving a three-quarter-size replica to keep. The names of every Wimbledon ladies' singles champion are engraved on the dish, making it both a beautiful work of art and a lasting record of the tournament's history.){kind=link}