The Kalo Shop Hand Wrought Sterling Silver Arts & Crafts Large Vase, Chicago, Illinois - c. 1920s

This stunning vase is a rare, large example of silver from the famous Kalo Shop of Chicago. The wide, bulbous body is beautifully proportioned with a gracefully curved neck and flaring rim. The top section is executed as five unfolding flower petals with creases traveling down the neck. It has a lovely hammered surface and has never been monogrammed.

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 spectacular vase is marked 'STERLING/ HAND WROUGHT/ AT/ THE KALO SHOP/ 14'. It measures 13.25 inches high by 6.25 inches at its widest point, weighs 30.05 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.

Endnote:

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