Accession Number

2009.003.001.010a-b

Description

A cut-glass cosmetic jar (a) with a sterling silver cover (b) repousseed and embossed with repeated floral motif, centred with three acanthus leaves forming a central cartouche on which is engraved the initials "LD" for Laura Dunsmuir.

Narrative

This cosmetic jar made by La Pierre Manufacturing of Newark, NJ and New York, NY 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 cosmetic 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

1900 – 1910

Dimensions

5.5 cm wide

Material

Metal, silver; Glass

Technique

Embossed; Engraved; Repoussed; Cut

School/Style

rococo revival

Inscription

LD (for Laura Dunsmuir); STERLING and 142

Country of Origin

United Sates of America