Georg Jensen Acorn Pattern Sterling Silver Pedestal Bowl or Tazza
Hollowware (Pedestal Bowl/Tazza) · Georg Jensen Silversmithy, founded 1904 in Copenhagen, Denmark; world-renowned for pioneering the organic Arts & Crafts and Scandinavian Modern styles.
Pattern: Acorn (known as Konge in Denmark), designed by Johan Rohde in 1915; still in production and considered one of the most successful silver patterns in history.
Type
Hollowware (Pedestal Bowl/Tazza)
Maker
Georg Jensen Silversmithy, founded 1904 in Copenhagen, Denmark; world-renowned for pioneering the organic Arts & Crafts and Scandinavian Modern styles.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), possibly with a vermeil (gold-washed) interior common in Jensen's serving bowls.
Dimensions
Diameter typically ranges from 15-25cm depending on the specific model; weight generally varies between 400g and 800g for standard pedestal bowls.
Description
A stunning example of Danish silversmithing, this bowl showcases Johan Rohde's iconic Acorn motif. The piece balances the raw texture of the hammer marks with the precise, architectural detail of the acorn feet, embodying the 'Organic Functionalism' that made Jensen famous.
Key Features
The cross-hatched 'acorn' nut and stylized curved stem foot; pierced openwork bowl design; and the characteristic 'moonlight' shimmer of the Jensen hand-hammered finish.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), possibly with a vermeil (gold-washed) interior common in Jensen's serving bowls.
Finish & Decoration
Characteristic Georg Jensen hammered 'martelé' finish to diffuse light; features cast and hand-chased acorn finials/feet with cross-hatched textured caps and curled stems.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found on the base: Jensen 'dotted oval' mark, '925S', 'Sterling', 'Denmark', and sometimes a design number (such as 263 or 512).
Construction Details
Hand-raised body with a planished (hammered) surface; feet and decorative elements are cast using the lost-wax method and then hand-soldered to the body with high-grade silver solder.
Functional Features
Features a flared bowl with openwork or pierced elements near the rim and stylized acorn feet providing stability for use as a fruit or centerpiece bowl.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver foot/grip in the shape of a realistic acorn; the textured cap provides tactile grip and visual contrast to the polished body.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional; the seamless transition between the cast foot and the hand-raised bowl demonstrates superior soldering and finishing skills typical of Jensen masters.
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive cross-hatching on the acorn is hand-refined; the 'hammer' marks are subtle and irregular, indicating handwork rather than machine-stamping; 'curled' stem is a signature pattern trait.
Origin & Manufacturing
Copenhagen, Denmark; manufactured at the Georg Jensen workshop which employs master silversmiths trained in traditional Danish techniques.
Era & Period
Scandinavian Modern / Arts & Crafts; specifically designed in 1915, representing the transition from Art Nouveau to cleaner 20th-century lines.
Age Estimate
Likely mid-20th century (c. 1945-1970) based on the visual crispness of the casting and commonality of this specific foot style on post-war pieces.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Danish Silver' revolution which moved away from heavy Victorian ornamentation toward nature-inspired, functional beauty which defined mid-century luxury.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent; light surface scratches (swirls) consistent with age/polishing; minor tarnish in the deep crevices of the acorn texture; no visible repairs or major dents.
Value Estimate
$1,800 - $4,500 USD depending on the specific model size and hallmark date; larger centerpiece varieties command significant premiums at auction.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap only; use a high-quality silver cream like Wright's or Georg Jensen's own brand; avoid 'silver dips' which strip the intentional oxidation from the acorn's texture.
Similar Pieces
Jensen Blossom (pattern 84) bowls which feature magnolia buds; or Kalo Shop (USA) hand-wrought bowls which share the hammered texture but lack the Danish acorn motif.
Interesting Facts
The Acorn pattern was originally designed for Rohde's own personal use before Jensen convinced him to put it into commercial production; it consists of over 200 different pieces.