Modernist Hammered Sterling Silver Charger by Georg Jensen
Hollowware (Charger / Large Serving Platter) · Georg Jensen (Copenhagen, Denmark). Founded in 1904, Jensen is internationally renowned for merging high-art sculpture with functional silver craftsmanship, defining the Danish Modern aesthetic.
Pattern: Bernadotte or Blossom style Hammered Finish; specific collection often categorized under 'Hollandske' (Dutch) or Planished series, introduced early 20th century.
Type
Hollowware (Charger / Large Serving Platter)
Maker
Georg Jensen (Copenhagen, Denmark). Founded in 1904, Jensen is internationally renowned for merging high-art sculpture with functional silver craftsmanship, defining the Danish Modern aesthetic.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition with high-polish interior and 'planished' (hammered) exterior texture.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter between 12-14 inches (30-36 cm); estimated weight range of 800g to 1,200g (25-38 troy oz) based on typical Jensen hollowware thickness.
Description
A magnificent example of Scandinavian silver, this charger showcases the 'living surface' signature of Georg Jensen. The hand-hammered finish creates a subtle, undulating topography that catches the light like water, providing a soft contrast to the crisp, modern form. It represents the pinnacle of 20th-century silver design, where functional objects are treated as sculpture.
Key Features
Planished (hammered) texture consistency, high-mirror central well, heavy gauge silver construction, and the signature Danish minimalist silhouette.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition with high-polish interior and 'planished' (hammered) exterior texture.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-hammered 'Martellé' or planished surface. This technique creates a faceted effect that reflects light in multiple directions, characteristic of the Arts & Crafts and Scandinavian Modern movements. High-mirror polish on the central well.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks include the Georg Jensen dotted oval (various iterations depending on year), '925S', 'Denmark', and potentially a design number. The image indicates a highly reflective surface where marks are usually located on the underside rim.
Construction Details
Hand-raised and planished. The piece shows evidence of being hand-worked from a flat sheet of silver, using specialized hammers to create the shimmering surface texture before being polished.
Functional Features
Wide rim for handling; deep central well for presentation. Traditional use as a decorative charger plate or a substantial meat/vegetable platter.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated wide flange rim; no secondary handles. The rim is reinforced by the planishing process which work-hardens the silver, providing structural rigidity.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional planishing. The hammer marks are rhythmic and intentional, indicating a master silversmith. The transition between the rim and the well is seamless, showing expert raising technique.
Authentication Indicators
The uniformity and specific 'scale' of the hammer marks are difficult to replicate by machine. The color and luster are consistent with high-grade .925 Scandinavian sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Denmark, Copenhagen. Manufactured at the Georg Jensen Sølvsmedie workshop, known for maintaining rigorous hand-finishing standards despite global popularity.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Arts & Crafts crossover. While Jensen began in the Art Nouveau period, this minimalist hammered style remained a staple of Danish design through the 1960s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945-1970 based on the crispness of the planishing and the specific reflective quality of the polish typically seen in post-war production.
Cultural Significance
Jensen's work moved silver away from the fussy ornamentation of the Victorian era towards a functionalist aesthetic that focused on the inherent beauty of the material and the skill of the smith.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. The surface shows minor micro-scratching ('spider webbing') consistent with light use. No significant dents, deep gouges, or evidence of thinning from over-polishing are visible.
Value Estimate
$2,500 - $4,500 USD depending on the specific design number, weight, and presence of original hallmarks on the reverse.
Care & Maintenance
Hand-wash with mild soap. Use a high-quality silver cream like Wright's or Hagerty. Avoid machine buffing which can flatten the hand-hammered texture over time.
Similar Pieces
Hand-hammered platters by Allan Adler or Peer Smed. These differ in their hammer-mark patterns; Jensen's marks are typically more subtle and blended.
Interesting Facts
Georg Jensen himself disliked high-shine flat surfaces, believing they were 'loud'; he popularized the hammered finish because it softened the reflection and hid small scratches from daily use.