Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Bowl by William B. Kerr

In 1815 Samuel Kirk opened a neighborhood silver store in Baltimore, what would eventually become the Kirk Stieff Corporation, the oldest surviving, highly prestigious silver company in the U.S. Kirk silver, or “Baltimore silver” is instantly recognizable by its hand-crafted repousse technique – hammering the reverse side of silver to produce an intricate design in low relief -- which Samuel Kirk introduced to America in 1828. Customers especially desired his repousee tea services, bowls, and flatware with elaborate floral patterns and architectural images. Kirks’ reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and innovative design spread nationwide; famous assignments included renovating 550 pieces of gold...

Art Nouveau was a short lived period, from 1895-1914. It focused on imitating nature, with its asymmetrical curvy lines, and floral ornaments which were in contrast to the new indust...

Art Nouveau sterling silver bowl, round shape. The repoussé decoration is in purest Art Nouveau style, depicting orchids. Unger Broters, Newark, New Jersey. United States circa 1890.

Tiffany & Co. sterling silver bowl in pattern number 9460 from the 1890s, in Art Nouveau style with flowing floral and palmette design adorning the rim. It measures 10'' in diameter ...