This very striking Parisian silver ewer dates from the Empire Period, and is hallmarked on its base with official silver standard and guarantee marks, including a cockerel, showing that it was made in Paris between 1798 and 1809. Pyriform in shape, this lovely jug has a plain body, adorned at the base of the neck and around its rim with a frieze of water leaves. It rests on a tripod base, with three claw feet and ornate palmettes where they fasten onto the body. The spout has been crafted in the shape of a lion’s head, the square-topped handle is made from shaped and blackened wood, and the lid boasts an acorn finial. A ewer such as this would probably have been used to serve water or wine, but given its decorative style, it could have served equally well as a work of art or a functional object.