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
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 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
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 ; 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
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
