An ornate Victorian-style silver-plated footed bowl, featuring a highly decorative repoussé body adorned with foliate scrolls, acanthus leaves, and stippled detailing. The scalloped rim is punctuated by pierced circular and oval apertures, rising above a lobed lower body and a stepped circular foot. The interior retains a warm gold-wash finish, and the sides are flanked by twin gilt-metal drop ring handles.

Historical & Style Details

• Artist / Maker: Unknown
• Period: Early 20th Century
• Origin: Unknown
• Material / Technique: Silver plate, gold wash, repoussé, piercing
• Materials: Silver-plated metal, gilt metal
• Decorative Details: Scalloped rim with pierced apertures, lobed lower body, twin drop ring handles, stippled background with foliate scrolls
• Colour & Surface: Silver exterior with areas of tarnish, gold-washed interior
• Condition: Moderate wear to the silver plating, particularly on the underside of the foot and interior, revealing the brassy base metal beneath; light tarnish and surface scratches consistent with age

History

Ornate footed bowls of this design, often featuring pierced rims and gold-washed interiors, were highly popular during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras as table centerpieces for serving sweetmeats, sugar, or nuts. The combination of repoussé metalwork and classical revival motifs reflects the historicist tastes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, designed to bring a sense of aristocratic grandeur to the dining table.