The Potter Bentley Studios Sterling and Enamel Bowl, Cleveland, OH, 1928-33

Exceptional silversmithing and brilliant enamels create this magnificent and rare footed bowl. Raised on a spreading, circular pedestal foot is a large, shallow bowl which displays a beautiful hammered surface. Applied to the edge of the bowl is a striking chased and pierced edge of hammered branches and leaves bordered on its outermost rim with an applied, thick molded wire band. Inset into this border are five silver circles which contain striking enamels. Black, green, burgundy, pink and yellow enamel roundels add wonderful, colorful displays of flowers.

Horace Ephraim Potter (1873-1948) studied at the Cleveland School of Art from 1894-1898. He then studied at the Cowles School of Art in Boston and received a "master's degree, specializing in metalwork. Returning to Cleveland, he taught at the Cleveland School of Art from 1900 to 1909, giving classes in decorative design and historic ornament." (1)

He attained the prestigious member designations of 'Craftsman' and 'Master' from the Society of Arts & Crafts, Boston in 1908. Sometimes by himself, and sometimes in collaboration with others, he exhibited at important Arts & Crafts fairs in Boston, Chicago and Detroit. He established Potter Studios which in 1928 became Potter & Bentley Studios and in 1933 Potter & Mellon, Inc., the famous Cleveland jewelry store.

This rare enameled arts & crafts centerpiece is stamped 'THE POTTER BENTLEY STUDIOS/ CLEVELAND/ STERLING." It measures just shy of 10.75 inches in diameter by just over 2 inches high, weighs an impressive 26.15 troy ounces and is in excellent condition

Endnotes:

1. Leslie G. Marting, "When artist and Craftsman Were One, Horace E. Potter and Arts & Crafts Silver in Cleveland" in Silver Magazine, May, June 2005, pp. 31-36.