The Kalo Shop Arts & Crafts Sterling Silver Hand Wrought Decorated Large Punch Bowl, Chicago, IL, 1912-16

This centerpiece punch bowl is very large and executed in a striking modern design. It is a rare form with impressive design, size, weight and quality. The body is totally hand-raised and has a beautifully hammered surface to both the interior and exterior.The top edge has an applied band which strengthens the rim. Stunning modernist shapes with oxidized silver backgrounds decorate the band above each of the four feet.

Echoing the demi-spherical shape of the bowl, the feet are large round balls in a bold, dramatic size which reflect up onto the body of the bowl.

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/ AND/ NEW YORK/ 5036'. It measures just under 14.5 inches in diameter by 6 inches high, has never been monogrammed, weighs an impressive 52.10 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.

Endnote:

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