An exceptional early champagne bucket or cooler by Maria Pergay, dating from 1957 and produced in silver-plated brass.

The piece belongs to the very beginning of Pergay’s career, when she was producing small objects and accessories in silver and silver-plated metal before turning to the stainless-steel furniture for which she would later become internationally recognised. Her first collection of silver objects was exhibited in Paris in 1957, making this an especially interesting example from this formative period of her work.

The design is remarkably simple but immediately recognisable as Pergay. A cylindrical silver-plated brass body is encircled by a broad metal belt, with a beautifully modelled buckle positioned on each of two opposing sides. On one side the belt appears to pass through the buckle, while on the other the rounded end of the belt remains visible beyond it. It is a wonderfully playful detail, treating the metal vessel almost as though the belt has quite literally been fastened around its body.

The belt and buckle became an important decorative motif within Pergay’s earliest work. Rather than simply applying ornament to the surface, she incorporated familiar forms into the construction of otherwise restrained objects. Here, the two buckles and visible end of the belt give an otherwise simple cylindrical form a distinctly sculptural character.

This example is unsigned, as is the case with much of Pergay’s earliest work. The 1957 date is based upon published references for the design.

For us, however, it is the surface of this particular example that makes the piece especially appealing. The silver plate has naturally worn through in numerous areas, revealing the warmer brass beneath, while the remaining silver has oxidised and patinated to markedly different degrees across the surface. The result is an exceptionally rich combination of dark silver, muted grey, bronze and golden tones that has developed naturally through decades of age and handling.

We particularly love this wear and patina and consider it an important part of the character of the piece. Rather than attempting to polish the surface back to a uniform silver finish, we have gently cleaned it and deliberately preserved the variations in colour, oxidation and exposed brass exactly as we found them.

The cooler otherwise remains in excellent vintage condition, with no significant dents or major scratches. No restoration has been undertaken.

The piece was acquired in London from a private collection. The previous owner had themselves acquired it from a private collection in Brazil.

An exceptional example of Maria Pergay’s earliest work and, for us, one made considerably more special by the beautifully worn and naturally patinated surface it has acquired over nearly seventy years.

Viewing is warmly welcomed at our West London showroom.

High-resolution photographs, detailed condition reports and video inspections are available upon request.

We offer local, national and international shipping.

Please contact us for further information or to arrange a private viewing.