Art Nouveau Pedestal Bowl with Floral Repoussé Rim
Decorative Art / Metalware, Footed Centerpiece Bowl • Likely American or European metalware manufacturer (e.g., Gorham, Reed & Barton, or WMF-style), mass-produced during the Art Nouveau era
Style & Movement
Art Nouveau (Jugendstil), characterized by organic, flowing lines and botanical motifs
Medium & Technique
Silverplate over base metal (likely copper or brass); techniques include casting, chasing, and repoussé for the floral border
Creation Period
Late 19th to Early 20th Century (circa 1890-1915)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 6-8 inches in diameter and 5-7 inches in height; circular pedestal format
Subject Description
A footed circular bowl featuring an undulating, high-relief rim decorated with organic floral and leaf motifs, possibly irises or poppies, typical of naturalistic turnover at the century's end
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; visible heavy oxidation, tarnish, and significant loss of silver plating revealing the base metal (bleeding)
Estimated Market Value
$40 - $120 USD (depending on maker's marks and metal composition)
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; typical of domestic utilitarian or decorative objects passed through private estates or second-hand markets
Art Historical Significance
Illustrates the commercial application of Art Nouveau aesthetics to domestic silverplate objects for the middle-class market during the Belle Époque
Notable Features
Highly sculptural rim with deep undulations; the contrast between the smooth bowl body and the ornate botanical border is a hallmark of the period's design
Condition Issues
Extensive surface tarnish, wear to the silver coat (silver bleeding), minor scratches, and potential surface pitting from moisture
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning with a non-abrasive silver polish; maintain in a low-humidity environment; do not over-polish as remaining plating may be thin