Mid-Century Modern Italian Enamel-Lined Sterling Silver Square Bowl
Hollowware (Serving Bowl/Nut Bowl) · Attributed to Italian makers such as Buccellati or Fratelli Magrino (Florence); often retailed by luxury brands like Bulgari or Tiffany & Co. mid-century.
Pattern: Brushed Texture with Guilloché-style Vitreous Enamel; typical of 1950s-1970s Italian luxury giftware.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Bowl/Nut Bowl)
Maker
Attributed to Italian makers such as Buccellati or Fratelli Magrino (Florence); often retailed by luxury brands like Bulgari or Tiffany & Co. mid-century.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) body with a vitreous (glass) enamel interior lining. Total weight typically ranges 150-300g depending on silver gauge.
Dimensions
Estimated 5 to 6 inches square; 2 inches height. Weight approximately 7-10 troy ounces inclusive of enamel.
Description
A striking example of Italian luxury, this square silver bowl balances the cool luster of satin-finished sterling silver with a deep, sea-green enameled interior. The 'wave' pattern beneath the enamel catches light at varying angles, creating a shimmering 'moiré' effect that is a hallmark of high-quality engine-turned silver.
Key Features
Brushed satin exterior finish, translucent 'jewel-tone' enamel interior, engine-turned wave-patterning, and heavy rolled border.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) body with a vitreous (glass) enamel interior lining. Total weight typically ranges 150-300g depending on silver gauge.
Finish & Decoration
The exterior features a soft brushed or satin silver finish with hand-burnished edges. The interior is decorated with a vibrant teal-green translucent enamel over a wavy, engine-turned (guilloché) texture.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks on base: '925' or 'Sterling', the Italian lozenge mark containing an identification number and provincial abbreviation (e.g., '175 FI' for Florence), and potentially 'ITALY'.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-struck square form with hand-finished 'rolled' rim. The interior texture is engine-turned to provide a reflective base for the translucent enamel firing.
Functional Features
Soft square shape with rounded corners for easy cleaning; the enamel provides a non-reactive surface suitable for serving salty snacks (nuts, olives) which would otherwise tarnish raw silver quickly.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Rim-based grip; the thick rolled edge allows for safe handling and adds structural rigidity to the piece.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship; the application of vitreous enamel over engine-turning requires precise temperature control in a kiln to prevent bubbles or scorching.
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive Italian engine-turning style; weight-to-size ratio; presence of standardized Italian lozenge hallmarks on the underside.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Italy, likely in the silver manufacturing hubs of Florence (Firenze) or Milan. Renowned for high-fire enamel techniques combined with high-grade silver.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1950-1970). Characterized by the fusion of traditional Italian silvercraft with bold, modern pops of color and geometric silhouettes.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960. The vibrancy of the enamel and the lozenge-style hallmark era (post-1934/1968) suggest a peak mid-century production date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war boom in Italian design ('La Dolce Vita' era) where utilitarian objects were elevated through bold color and precious materials to symbolize new prosperity.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible structural cracking and significant chipping of the enamel in the upper right interior quadrant. Heavy tarnish on silver rim. Enamel loss significantly affects value as it cannot be easily repaired.
Value Estimate
$150 - $250 in current damaged condition; $400 - $600 if enamel were pristine and maker-signed (e.g., by Buccellati).
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with a very soft cloth and mild soap. NEVER use ultrasonic cleaners or abrasive dips, as the vibration or heat can cause the fragile glass enamel to shatter further away from existing cracks.
Similar Pieces
David-Andersen (Norway) enamelware, which uses similar techniques but typically features more intricate Nordic filigree patterns rather than brushed Italian minimalist forms.
Interesting Facts
Items like this were the height of 'Cocktail Culture' sophistication in the 1960s, often used as 'bridge' card-game bowls for nuts or candy. They were popular exports found in high-end department stores like Neiman Marcus.