The Kalo Shop Arts & Crafts Sterling Silver Hand Wrought Large Centerpiece/ Punch Bowl, Chicago, IL, 1929-34

This stunning centerpiece bowl has great presence. It is a rare form with impressive design, size, weight and quality. The bulbous body is raised inward near the top with a stunning, flaring, shaped edge decorated with pairs of lobed decoration. This decoration is also used around the wide, pedestal base. A lovely cut and applied 'G' initial graces the side of the bowl. Wonderful hammering to the surface and the reflections of the decorations make this bowl quite attractive.

The Kalo Shop is known for its hammered surfaces and creative, forward looking arts & crafts designs. It was started by Clara Barck Welles who was 'known for her fair employment practices and for giving opportunities to women to become metalsmiths'.(1)

This rare centerpiece is marked 'STERLING/ HAND WROUGHT/ THE KALO SHOP/ CHICAGO/ U.S.A./ 25'. It measures just shy of 13.75 inches wide across the top by 5.25 inches high, weighs a very impressive 58.80 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.

Endnote:

1. 1. Sharon S. Darling, Chicago Metalsmiths, (Chicago: Chicago Historical Society, 1977), p. 48.The Kalo Shop Arts & Crafts Sterling Silver Hand Wrought Large Centerpiece/ Punch Bowl, Chicago, IL, 1929-34