Lona P. Schaeffer Arts and Crafts Sterling Silver Centerpiece, NYC, c. 1930s

Silver made by Lona Schaeffer is extremely rare, especially holloware, as one typically finds a piece of flatware when lucky enough to find any item by this talented female silversmith. She trained and worked in the workshop of her famous father, Peer Smed, who created fascinating, unique, naturalistic designs of amazing quality.

This stunning tazza is hand wrought and made of heavy gauge silver. Plain, hammered surfaces shimmer and exhibit a reserved elegance with the shallow bowl with a floriform-shaped edge, and complimentary spreading, slightly domed foot with a simple incised line around its edge.  The pedestal attached to the base and bowl, decorated with chased and pierced leaves and seeds, is a great arts & crafts design. This decorative area is a striking contrast to the rest of the piece and creates a wonderful work of art.

Provenance: ARK Antiques, Fine, Early 20th Century American Craftsman Silver Jewelry and Metal, Catalog No. 891, 1989, p. 19.

This centerpiece is stamped on the back 'STERLING/ HAND WROUGHT' and 'LPS' for Lona P. Schaeffer. It measures 11 inches in diameter by 3.5 inches high, has never been monogrammed, weighs 30.30 troy ounces and is in very good/ excellent antique condition.