Rare Svend Hammershøi Sterling Silver Bowl by Holger Kyster

A rare and exceptionally sculptural Danish Arts & Crafts sterling silver bowl designed by Svend Hammershøi and executed by the renowned silversmith Holger Kyster early 1900’s. Hand-raised from heavy gauge silver, this impressive footed bowl beautifully demonstrates the handcrafted aesthetic that defined the Danish Arts & Crafts movement in the early twentieth century.

The bowl features a deeply hand-hammered body wrapped in an elegant repoussé decoration of overlapping stylized foliage. Three small loop handles emerge organically from the rim, enhancing both the sculptural form and functional design. The subtle irregularities of the hand-hammered surface, together with the rich hand-worked leaf decoration, create remarkable depth and movement that cannot be replicated by modern production techniques.

Svend Hammershøi (1873–1948), best known for his influential work in ceramics and decorative arts, produced relatively few silver designs, making pieces such as this highly desirable among collectors of early Danish silver. Holger Kyster, one of Denmark’s finest master silversmiths, was renowned for his uncompromising craftsmanship and his collaborations with leading Danish designers during the Arts & Crafts period.

With its substantial weight, exceptional hand craftsmanship, and striking sculptural presence, this bowl is equally suited as a centerpiece, decorative object, or an important addition to a collection of early twentieth-century Scandinavian silver.

Specifications

• Designer: Svend Hammershøi (1873–1948)
• Maker: Holger Kyster
• Origin: Denmark
• Date: Circa 1920
• Material: 900 Silver
• Measurements: 6 1/2″ (16.5 cm) diameter x 5″ (12.8 cm) high
• Weight: 670 grams (23.63 troy oz.)
• Hallmarks: Monogram “SH” for Svend Hammershøi, Holger Kyster maker’s marks, Denmark, 900 Silver

Condition

Excellent antique condition with a beautifully preserved hand-hammered surface and crisp repoussé foliage decoration. The bowl displays a rich patina that highlights the exceptional quality of its craftsmanship.