Silver-Plated Fish Serving Dish, Signed Teghini Firenze, circa 1970

This large silver-plated serving dish impresses through the quality of its chasing: while the body of the fish — a broad oval with a flat base, slightly raised rim and mirror-polished surface — follows the classical form of the oval serving dish, it is the tail that constitutes the true tour de force of the piece. Finely chased, the two lobes of the caudal fin are covered in a tight network of raised engraved scales of near-naturalistic precision, creating a striking contrast between the smooth restraint of the body and the ornamental richness of the fin.

The Teghini Firenze signature places this piece within the production of a distinguished Florentine silversmithing house long associated with quality Italian silver-plated metalwork. Florence, heir to one of Europe's oldest goldsmithing traditions, has maintained workshops of outstanding mastery in precious and silver-plated metals to this day — and Teghini stands among its most recognised practitioners, prized by collectors of twentieth-century Italian decorative arts.

The fish platter is a classical form of European table service, designed to present a whole fish at its full length. Here, the formal decision to integrate the chased tail transforms this utilitarian object into a genuine table piece, engaging the eye as much as it serves the meal. Objects of this quality, presented at the great occasions of the table, were also conceived to be displayed as decorative pieces in their own right.

In fine condition, the silver-plated metal retains its lustre with a light patina attesting to age and use. An exceptional piece — at once refined and spectacular — whose quality of execution testifies to the craft heritage of twentieth-century Italian silversmithing.