These unus🌠ually-shaped finials recall the early 19th century interest in Chinese forms, perhaps taken to its ༒greatest extent in the decoration of Brighton Pavilion. Bell-hung umbrellas or parasols are a staple of European views of Chinese figures from the late 17th century, and would have been appreciated as fashionable and exotic.

Silversmith John Robins entered his first mark in 1774, and after several locations moved to Clerkenwell Green in 🐎1794. He made a pair of Torah Finials and a Pointer for the synagogue in Plymouth in 1783, now in the North Carolina Museum of Art, and probably a pair of scroll mounts at Bevis Marks. His unusual Chi༺nese-style finials were appreciated enough to be copied for Central Synagogue in the late 19th century (see following lot).

For information on Ph𒅌ilip Salomons, see notes𝔉 to lo lots 19-25 of the Sassoon Sale, selling immediately before this collection.