Whenever I stop in to the Nelson and Nelson gallery, I always take time to admire the beautiful Buccellati silver centerpiece featured prominently near the entrance. I've probably never taken so much time to ogle a cabbage, but what a cabbage it is! Weighing in at a substantial 70 troy ounces, this unusual sterling silver decorative item is an eye-catcher, and would make a marvelous, whimsical addition to a fall holiday table.
This is a magnificent 20th century sterling silver centerpiece made by the highly esteemed silversmiths at Buccellati in Italy, and was originally owned by the late popular singer Luther Vandross and shown in photographs taken at his home published in Ebony magazine in 1989. The centerpiece, in the form of a large figural cabbage, has two open leaves that cleverly reveal a large hammered interior that offers a uniquely different way of displaying or serving fruits and vegetables. The exterior skillfully emulates the leaves of a cabbage, complete with a textured outer surface enhanced by the addition by heavy, clearly defined veins. The interior shows the signs of hand hammering together with the imprint of the veins on the outer surface. The two leaves ripple artfully at the opening and curve outwards to reveal a bright shiny surface which contrasts pleasingly with the textured outer surface. Four small protective feet have been applied to the underside to prevent damage to the owner’s table surface. As befitting the renowned Bucellati Company, the workmanship is of the very highest quality and the design of the piece is ingenious and highly imaginative in its creativity. It is in perfect condition with a softly lustrous patina and clear, crisp definition on all the organic decoration. It has been clearly stamped with the words Buccellati, Italy and the number 925 indicating the silver as being 925/1000 parts fine. This piece would be of special interest to all connoisseurs of first class 20th century sterling silver and also to any admirer of the late Luther Vandross.
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