Silver-Plated Lotus Form Flower Frog Bowl Set
Hollowware - Flower Bowl / Rose Bowl / Centerpiece with Flower Frog · Likely Japanese Export or mid-century American silver plate (e.g., Leonard or Wallace). Many similar lotus forms were produced by Japanese ateliers for the export market following WWII.
Pattern: Lotus Petal / Water Lily Flower Bowl. This is a generic botanical form rather than a named designer collection, though popular in mid-century orientalist design.
Type
Hollowware - Flower Bowl / Rose Bowl / Centerpiece with Flower Frog
Maker
Likely Japanese Export or mid-century American silver plate (e.g., Leonard or Wallace). Many similar lotus forms were produced by Japanese ateliers for the export market following WWII.
Material
Silver plate over base metal (likely brass or nickel silver as evidenced by the yellowish tarnish in the interior and on the frog). Nickel silver base is most common for this form.
Dimensions
Approximately 5 to 6 inches in diameter and 3 to 4 inches in height. Estimated weight 300 to 500 grams including the frog.
Description
This elegant silver-plated centerpiece is sculpted in the form of a lotus flower in bloom. The outer rim consists of tiered, pointed petals that create a dynamic, organic silhouette. It includes its original perforated insert, known as a 'flower frog,' which serves both a decorative and functional purpose by supporting floral stems. The piece exhibits a sleek, reflective quality that would have made it a popular choice for dinner party centerpieces during the mid-century era.
Key Features
Distinctive overlapping pointed petals, gold-toned interior wash, and a matching removable perforated flower support plate.
Material & Composition
Silver plate over base metal (likely brass or nickel silver as evidenced by the yellowish tarnish in the interior and on the frog). Nickel silver base is most common for this form.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish on the exterior; the interior shows a gold-tone wash or yellowish tarnish. No engraved or repoussé decoration, relying instead on the sculptural 'lotus' silhouette.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped 'Silverplate' or 'EPNS' with 'Japan' or a maker's crest on the underside. Visible marks are absent from the photo but typically located on the bottom of the bowl.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped or spun petals that are joined at the base. The 'flower frog' insert is a die-cut perforated plate, likely removable for cleaning.
Functional Features
Removable perforated flower frog allowed stems to be placed in specific orientations; the bowl would hold water to nourish the arrangement.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles are present; the piece is designed as a standalone table centerpiece. The outer petals act as a natural grip for moving the piece.
Craftsmanship Details
The piece is likely factory-produced using stamping and industrial plating techniques, resulting in a consistent but mass-produced finish.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic yellowing of the metal in the interior suggests a wear-through of silver plating or a brass base. Machine-made perfection suggests 20th-century production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Commonly Japan or Hong Kong for Western export. These were staple giftware items in American and European department stores.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1950s-1970s). The minimalism and botanical 'orientalism' are characteristic of mid-20th-century decorative arts.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960. The clean lines and mechanical perforation of the frog indicate mid-century mass production.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-WWII fascination with Japanese aesthetic principles like Ikebana (the art of flower arrangement) adapted for Western domestic settings.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition. There is visible tarnish on the interior and the frog plate. The exterior shows light surface scratches consistent with polishing. No major dents or loss of plating are visible.
Value Estimate
$25 - $75 USD. Value is driven by decorative appeal rather than metal content, as it is silver-plated rather than sterling.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Since it is silver-plated, avoid over-polishing which can reveal the base metal. Dry thoroughly after holding water to prevent pitting.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. produced sterling versions of flower bowls, but they typically feature more complex chasing. Oneida or Gorham silver-plated rose bowls are common competitors.
Interesting Facts
The 'Lotus' bowl design was heavily popularized by various makers as an affordable way to bring Asian aesthetic influences into the Western home during the post-war era.