Why You’ll Love It
This 1:12 scale miniature Edwardian tantalus was handcrafted by renowned British master Mike Sparrow, an IGMA Fellow celebrated for producing some of the finest museum-quality miniature silverwork ever created. The tantalus has a mahogany frame accented with hallmarked sterling silver corner plaques and decorative labels, while three individually hand-blown glass decanters rest securely inside, fitted with perfectly matched removable glass stoppers. The ingenious sterling silver locking bar pivots upward on its side hinge and operates as a graceful carrying handle. In Edwardian times, a decorative liquor cabinet like this had the primary purpose was to display fine spirits while physically preventing household servants or younger sons from pouring a drink when locked.
Mike Sparrow was internationally revered for his miniatures. This tantalus would make a remarkable addition to an executive study, library, dining room, or gentleman's club.
Details
Materials: Wood, sterling silver, glass
Scale & Size: 1:12 scale; ⅞" tall (excluding carrying handle) x 1⅛" long
Condition: Excellent vintage condition
Artist: Mike Sparrow (IGMA Fellow), United Kingdom
Collection: The Maureen Fukushima Collection
Please Note: The tantalus with 3 stoppered decanters only. Other accessories and dolls shown are for staging purposes.
A Note About Value
Every miniature we offer has been carefully evaluated for its craftsmanship, rarity, condition, provenance, and collectibility. Many of the artisan pieces we sell are one-of-a-kind works that may never appear on the market again. While original retail prices provide an interesting historical reference, they rarely reflect decades of appreciation, the artist's legacy, or the scarcity of surviving examples.
Our pricing reflects the miniature's place within today's collector market and the years we've spent studying the artists, histories, and values that make these tiny works of art so special.
A Commitment to Research
Every miniature has a story, and uncovering it is one of our greatest passions. We carefully research each piece, but unsigned or illegible works can remain mysteries. If you can identify an artist or provide additional information, we'd be delighted to hear from you and will gladly update the listing to preserve their legacy.
