Mythical Beasts

Mythical beasts come in many forms and different cultures represent them in different ways. Offering bowls often depict mythical creatures and many are made from silver. Mythical beasts is a broad term and can include sea monsters as well and creatures from classical mythology.

Below are some examples and price guides of silver antiques which depict mythical beasts, including a silver offering bowl and a silver seal.

A SILVER OFFERING BOWL WITH FLORA, FAUNA, AND MYTHICAL BEASTS

A SILVER OFFERING BOWL WITH FLORA, FAUNA, AND MYTHICAL BEASTS
BURMA (MYANMAR), SHAN STATE, CIRCA 1930
The underside is engraved with a design of a lotus bud with pairs of men and monkeys resting on petals.
7 1/8 in. (18 cm) high;
9 7/8 in. (25 cm) diameter;
42 troy oz (1,314 grams) approximate weight

Sold for US$1,275 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022


A SILVER-INLAID BRONZE MYTHICAL BEAST-FORM WATER POT

A SILVER-INLAID BRONZE MYTHICAL BEAST-FORM WATER POT AND BRUSH REST
MING – EARLY QING DYNASTY, 16TH – 18TH CENTURY
The beast with bulging eyes and a bifurcated tail is shown in a recumbent position and has four tall peaks and an aperture on its back, the body accented with silver-wire inlay.
5 ¾ in. (14.6 cm.) long

Sold for USD 12,500 at Christies in 2021


Pair of George W. Shiebler & Co. Sterling Silver Fish Servers

Pair of George W. Shiebler & Co. Sterling Silver Fish Servers
Late 19th century
The handles cast of mythical sea creatures, the shaped blade and tines bright cut with Aesthetic design on a satin ground. Length of knife 13 inches, length of fork 10 1/2 inches, total approximately 15 ounces.

Sold for $4,095 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2021


SILVER MYTHICAL BEAST STAMP SEAL

SILVER MYTHICAL BEAST STAMP SEAL ; Ht.2 in, Lg.2 1/4 in, Wt.787g

Sold for US$900 at Treasurehouse Inc. in 2022


A silver two-handled tray, 20th century

A silver two-handled tray, 20th century

rectangular with a border of roses, the centre engraved with a mythological representation of Ceres framed by two large trees and surrounded by engraved rocaille and floral decor, the border engraved with the monogram PG

length 24 7⁄16 in.; width 12 5⁄8in.; weight 47 oz.; 62 cm; 32 cm; 1488g.

Sold for 1,260 EUR at Sothebys in 2022