Georg Jensen Acorn Pattern (Konge) Sterling Silver Centerpiece Bowl
Hollowware (Centerpiece Bowl) · Georg Jensen (Copenhagen, Denmark). Founded 1904, Jensen is renowned for merging fine art sculpture with functional silver craft.
Pattern: Acorn (Konge in Danish), designed by Johan Rohde in 1915. It is arguably Jensen's most popular and enduring pattern.
Type
Hollowware (Centerpiece Bowl)
Maker
Georg Jensen (Copenhagen, Denmark). Founded 1904, Jensen is renowned for merging fine art sculpture with functional silver craft.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Features typical Jensen solid construction with a high-grade silver alloy.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter 20-30cm. Weight typically ranges between 600g to 1200g depending on specific model size.
Description
An exquisite example of Danish Modernism, this bowl features Johan Rohde's iconic Acorn motif. The design balances a clean, polished concave interior with complex, naturalistic openwork at the rim and whimsical yet sturdy acorn feet.
Key Features
The distinctive cross-hatched acorn cap on the feet and the fluid, organic 'vine-like' piercings are diagnostic of the Acorn hollowware line.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Features typical Jensen solid construction with a high-grade silver alloy.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with hand-chased decorative elements. The piece features organic pierced openwork and iconic acorn-form feet with cross-hatched caps.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found on the base: Jensen 'dotted oval' mark, 925 S, Denmark, and designer Johan Rohde initials (JR). This specific image highlights the three-dimensional acorn cast foot.
Construction Details
Highly skilled construction involving spinning the main bowl, hand-pierced motifs, and applied cast acorn feet attached with high-temperature silver solder.
Functional Features
Openwork design allows for air circulation (ideal for fruit) or decorative visual depth when used as a table centerpiece.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present; the piece is supported by three or four cast sterling silver acorn-shaped feet with textured caps.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior hand-finishing is evident in the lack of visible seams and the precise, sharp detailing of the acorn cap textures.
Authentication Indicators
Appropriate casting quality of the acorn foot; no visible pits or casting flaws. Solder joint at the foot is clean and well-integrated into the bowl body.
Origin & Manufacturing
Copenhagen, Denmark. Hand-finished in the Georg Jensen smithy using traditional Scandinavian silversmithing techniques.
Era & Period
Skønvirke (Danish Arts & Crafts) / Art Deco. Introduced 1915, this specific piece style flourished from the 1920s through the mid-20th century.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945-1970 based on the crispness of the casting and common production dates for this specific bowl form.
Cultural Significance
Represents the global shift towards 'Functionalism' and the high-water mark of Danish silver design in the 20th century.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The image shows light surface scratches (swirls) consistent with gentle use. Tarnish is visible in the cross-hatching of the foot, highlighting the detail.
Value Estimate
$2,500 - $4,500 USD depending on size, hallmark date, and total weight.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and warm water. Use a professional silver cream like Wright's for the polished areas, and a soft brush for the textured acorn caps.
Similar Pieces
Jensen 'Blossom' pattern bowls (more organic/floral) or Tiffany 'Chrysanthemum' hollowware (more ornate American Victorian).
Interesting Facts
The Acorn pattern was originally designed when King Christian X of Denmark requested a design that was neither too ornate nor too plain.