Art Nouveau Footed Bowl

A beautiful early Art Nouveau bowl by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik), dating to around 1909.

With its softly scalloped edge, gently fluted bowl and long, sweeping handles, it has a lovely sense of movement. Raised on a slender stem and foot, it would make a wonderful small centrepiece, but is equally beautiful simply displayed on its own.

The silvered surface has developed a wonderful original aged patina, with subtle variations in tone that settle naturally into the folds of the design.

The underside bears the WMF ostrich mark, together with I/O and K. The particular ostrich mark is associated with WMF pieces made for the French market from around 1909; I/O refers to the silver-plated finish.

A particularly elegant example of early German Jugendstil.

Details
Maker: WMF — Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Date: c.1909
Country: Germany
Material: Silver-plated metal
Markings: WMF ostrich mark, I/O and K