The Kalo Shop Park Ridge Rare Arts & Crafts Sterling Silver Centerpiece Bowl, Chicago, IL, c. 1908-12

This stunning centerpiece bowl is an exquisite example of early Kalo silver. The form is uncommon and it is a beautiful design with great proportions and elegant lines. The body flares upwards and outwards and is decorated with a wonderful cut and applied monogram 'DEQ'. The interior rim of the large bowl has a simple, applied band. Stunning hammering to the surface makes the bowl shimmer.

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 BEATEN/ AT/ KALO SHOPS/ PARK RIDGE/ ILLS.'. It measures 12 inches wide by 4.55 inches high, weighs a very impressive 32.65 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.

Endnote:

1. Sharon S. Darling, Chicago Metalsmiths, (Chicago: Chicago Historical Society, 1977), p. 48.