
These chestnut vases were made by Theodorus Gerardus Bentvelt, a silversmith working for the firm of Bonebakker in Amsterdam. He drew inspiration from the Gothic style. The octagonal base with lobed rim was borrowed from medieval monstrances and chalices of the Middle Ages, while the rest was his invention. This is typical of the nineteenth century love of earlier styles. Bentvelt also worked in the Dutch Renaissance style. The chestnut vase was first produced in the third quarter of the eighteenth century and was probably intended for roasted or pureed chestnuts. The curved surfaces of the round vase arose from the lobes at the base, producing a magnificent reflective effect. The only additions are a small border to the body and a natural branch of acanthus leaves on the lid.
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