Edward Chandler Moore “Japanoniste” Silver Pitcher by Tiffany & Co.

Alive with fluttering leaves, flapping wings, and splashing fish, this pitcher was one of Tiffany & Co.’s most celebrated Japoniste designs, earning the grand prize at the 1878 Exposition Universelle. Its dynamic, asymmetrical composition, inspired by Japanese woodblock prints, depicts a vibrant pond scene wrapping around its surface. Drawing from the works of Japanese masters, the design features a red dragonfly from Utamaro, irises from Hiroshige, and leaping carp from Hokusai. The dragonfly’s gold-electrotyped wings and its copper body, sourced from Lake Superior, showcase Moore’s meticulous craftsmanship, while the planished texture mimics rippling water. The koi swimming upstream symbolizes resilience and strength, reflecting the harmony between nature and human virtues at the heart of Japanese tradition. This masterful fusion of Japanese artistry and Tiffany’s exceptional silversmithing not only captivated audiences at the Exposition but also cemented the pitcher’s legacy as a defining example of the Japoniste aesthetic in American decorative arts.