Mid-Century Modernist Hammered Sterling Silver Pedestal Bowl
Hollowware (Pedestal Bowl / Tazza) · Unknown Modernist Artisan. The design aesthetic aligns with the Brutalist or Mid-Century Modernist movements typical of independent studio silversmiths active in the mid-20th century.
Pattern: Custom Artisan Commision; Non-patterned Modernist design. Characterized by geometric simplicity and structural industrialism.
Type
Hollowware (Pedestal Bowl / Tazza)
Maker
Unknown Modernist Artisan. The design aesthetic aligns with the Brutalist or Mid-Century Modernist movements typical of independent studio silversmiths active in the mid-20th century.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade Nickel Silver. The visual patina and surface texture suggest a solid metal composition rather than electroplate. No evidence of mixed materials.
Dimensions
Estimated 12-15cm diameter; 8-10cm height. Projected weight: 300-450 grams based on the apparent thickness of the gauged silver sheet used for the legs.
Description
A striking example of Modernist hollowware, this bowl features a flared, conical basin supported by three slab-like rectangular legs. The design emphasizes the 'honesty of materials,' showing the hand-finishing and structural solder points as part of the aesthetic. It is a bold, architectural piece that prioritizes form over surface decoration.
Key Features
Unique tripod slab-leg base; visible planishing marks; heavy gauge construction; minimalist flared rim; architectural silhouette.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade Nickel Silver. The visual patina and surface texture suggest a solid metal composition rather than electroplate. No evidence of mixed materials.
Finish & Decoration
Brushed and planished finish with visible hammer marks (martelé). The decoration is purely structural, focusing on the contrast between the smooth flared bowl and the raw, architectural legs. Minimalist/Industrial Art Deco style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not visible in provided image. Typical locations would be the underside of the bowl or the interior faces of the legs. Expected marks would include 'Sterling' or '925' and an artisan's logo.
Construction Details
Hand-raised and soldered. The bowl appears spun or raised from a flat sheet, while the tripod legs are heavy-gauge plate silver, hand-cut and soldered to the bowl base with visible seam work.
Functional Features
Tripod pedestal base for elevation; open-air design between legs. Primarily intended as a nut bowl, candy dish, or decorative center-piece.
Handle & Grip Details
Non-applicable (no handles). The rim of the bowl serves as the primary grip point, featuring a thickened, rolled, or planed edge for structural integrity.
Craftsmanship Details
Shows clear evidence of hand-tooling. The irregular solder flow at the leg joints indicates manual assembly rather than industrial precision, which is a desirable trait in modernist 'Studio' silver.
Authentication Indicators
The heavy gauge and hand-soldered joints are typical of high-end artisan silver. Lack of 'EPNS' markings suggests a solid alloy, though XRF testing is required to confirm silver content vs. base metal.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely North American (USA or Mexico) or Scandinavian. The 'Studio Silver' movement in these regions prioritized visible construction and heavy, tactile forms.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1950-1970). The aggressive geometric legs and lack of traditional ornament are hallmarks of the post-war rejection of Victorian excess.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960. The patina and construction techniques are consistent with mid-to-late 20th-century artisan metalwork.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift toward 'Art Jewelry' and 'Studio Hollowware' where the silversmith is viewed as an artist/sculptor rather than a domestic tradesman.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition. Notable surface oxidation and tarnish at the base of the bowl where legs meet. Minor rim dings and surface scratches consistent with use. No major structural deformation.
Value Estimate
$250 - $600 USD. Value heavily depends on identifying a specific maker's mark; 'Name' modernist artists can command significantly higher premiums.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a soft cloth and a high-quality cream like Wright's. Avoid machine buffing which could erase the intentional hammer marks and artisan texture.
Similar Pieces
Kalo Shop (Chicago) hand-wrought bowls; Georg Jensen 'Bernadotte' styles (more refined); Hector Aguilar (Mexico) primitive geometric works.
Interesting Facts
Items like this were often produced in small workshops in New York, Taxco, or Copenhagen, often as one-off gallery pieces rather than mass-market retail goods.