Mid-Century Modern Georg Jensen 'Beaded' (Kugle) Pattern Sterling Silver Round Bowl Soup Spoon
Flatware - Soup Spoon / Cream Soup Spoon · Georg Jensen, Denmark. Established in 1904, Jensen is a world-renowned name in high-end Scandinavian silver, famous for organic motifs and craftsmanship.
Pattern: Beaded (Kugle in Danish), No. 33, designed by Georg Jensen in 1916. It remains iconic and is still in limited production today.
Type
Flatware - Soup Spoon / Cream Soup Spoon
Maker
Georg Jensen, Denmark. Established in 1904, Jensen is a world-renowned name in high-end Scandinavian silver, famous for organic motifs and craftsmanship.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition throughout; no base metals or mixed materials present in this specific form.
Dimensions
Length: Approximately 6.5 to 7.0 inches (16.5-17.8 cm). Weight: Approximately 45-55 grams (1.4-1.8 troy oz).
Description
A stunning example of Georg Jensen's early minimalist aesthetic. The 'Beaded' pattern (Kugle) represents a bridge between the floral Art Nouveau period and the clean lines of Modernism. Its hallmark is the small, perfectly spherical bead at the very tip of the gracefully curved handle.
Key Features
The distinctive raised central ridge on the handle and the namesake 'bead' at the terminal. The deep, circular bowl is characteristic of European soup service.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition throughout; no base metals or mixed materials present in this specific form.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with a distinctive hammered texture often found on the original Georg Jensen pieces. Features a subtle raised ridge on the handle and a small bead or sphere at the terminal tip.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks on reverse: '925 S', 'DENMARK', and the Georg Jensen dotted oval makers mark. Older pieces may have a crown or year code letters.
Construction Details
Forged from a single ingot of sterling silver. The bowl is die-struck while the handle details are hand-finished to ensure the 'bead' and ridge are crisp.
Functional Features
Features a deep, round bowl designed specifically for soups. The wide handle provides a weighted balance for ergonomic dining.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle tapering from a rounded point (the 'bead') to a slim neck. Smooth, unadorned surface except for the structural ridge.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior finish quality. Even with surface wear, the structural integrity of the forging remains evident in the lack of bending and the crispness of the handle ridge.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetry and balance; the way the handle transitions into the bowl is seamless. Hallmarks on Georg Jensen pieces are typically stamped very clearly on the reverse of the neck.
Origin & Manufacturing
Copenhagen, Denmark. Manufactured in the Georg Jensen Silversmithy, adhering to strict Danish silver standards.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Arts & Crafts crossover. While designed in 1916, it gained significant popularity during the mid-20th-century Scandinavian design movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945-1970 based on the visible luster and typical wear patterns of secondary market sets.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Danish Modern' movement that revolutionized interior design in the 20th century, emphasizing functional beauty over ornate Victorian excess.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The surface shows heavy 'patina' consisting of fine scratches and scuffing consistent with frequent use and drawer storage. No significant dents or bowl thinning.
Value Estimate
$125 - $225 USD per individual spoon, depending on the age and clarity of the hallmarks.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only with mild soap. Use a high-quality cream polish like Wright's Silver Cream to remove tarnish and protect the finish. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth roll to prevent oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Georg Jensen 'Acorn' (more decorative), 'Bernadotte' (linear/grooved), or Tiffany 'English King' (much more ornate and heavy).
Interesting Facts
The 'Beaded' pattern was one of the first patterns designed by Georg Jensen himself rather than his associates like Johan Rohde or Harald Nielsen.