jar, cosmetic
Object
Accession Number
2009.003.001.009a-bAlternate Name
powder jarDescription
A sterling silver cosmetic jar (a) repousseed and embossed with a repeating pattern of acanthus leaves, one daisy and one rose, the cover (b) with a repousseed and embossed cherub surrounded by similarly tooled floral embellishments with scrolled acanthus leaf border around the outside of the cover, the inside of lid and jar gilded.Narrative
This powder jar is part of a fine 13-piece silver dresser set assembled and owned by Laura Miller Dunsmuir (nee Surles). The set is unusually large and of very high quality. A Canadian woman of Mrs. Dunsmuir's wealth and social status during the Victorian and Edwardian eras would typically have had a dresser set similar to this one.History of Use
This powder jar is part of a fine 13-piece silver dresser set assembled and owned by Laura Miller Dunsmuir (nee Surles). She used it at her house Burleith, at Government House while her husband James served as Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and at her residence Hatley Park. After her death, it was passed down through her descendents until acquired by The Castle Society.Date
circa 1900Dimensions
12.5 cm wideMaterial
Metal, silver; Metal, goldTechnique
Embossed; RepoussedSchool/Style
rococo revivalInscription
on the jar: (a) STERLING; 925/1000 FINE; 1649; and the maker's mark for Mauser Manufacturing Co., New York; on the lid (b): 1649 and SHREVE & CO.Country of Origin
United States of America
Related people/businesses/organizations
Mauser (manufacturer)
Shreve & Co. (manufacturer)
Laura Miller Dunsmuir (nee Surles) (owner)
Related Associations
Burleith (was used in)
Government House (Victoria, B.C.) (was used in)
Hatley Park (was used in)
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