Gorgeous Bergen Empress Eugenie Ice Cream Tray – SOLD

This tray is cut in Bergen’s extremely rare Portland pattern (which is more commonly known as Empress Eugenie). I have only seen a handful of examples of this pattern. To me it’s one of the most appealing early patterns of the Brilliant Period, with many unique touches you won’t find in other designs. The tray has an unusual blowout, crimped rectangular design.

The Portland pattern features a large 6-point hobstar portion in the center of the piece. From each recess of the star, there are large vesicas framed in two arches of notching which meet at tiny hobstars on either end. The center of the four central vesicas feature oval hobstars. The larger vesicas towards the edge hold a symmetrical portion of cane that you won’t find on many other pieces. The border of the tray is really stunning – with deep miter cutting with points that have an additional miter on top of it – I’ve only ever seen this motif on old Bergen pieces.  Over each of the vesica is a flat, coined edge.

The piece is beautifully wood wheel polished and in perfect condition. It measures 14 1/2″ long and 8″ wide.