Footed Bowl, Sterling Silver

A striking example of American Art Deco silver, this sterling silver footed bowl was made by Hamilton Silver Co., Inc. of New York. Its clean, sculptural form reflects the modernist aesthetic that transformed decorative arts during the early 20th century, favoring strong silhouettes and restrained ornament over the elaborate decoration of earlier generations.

The design has a distinctly Scandinavian influence, reminiscent of the celebrated silver of Georg Jensen and the later work of Alphonse LaPaglia. The beautifully formed bowl rises upon a substantial foot, giving the piece an architectural quality while allowing the simplicity of its lines and the richness of the sterling silver to command attention.

Pieces such as this illustrate the increasingly international character of American design during the Art Deco period, when New York silversmiths embraced both European modernism and the organic simplicity associated with Scandinavian silver. Elegant without being overly ornamented, this Hamilton Silver Co. bowl is a sophisticated example of period American design and a beautiful addition to a collection of Art Deco or modernist silver.