Art Nouveau Martelé silver punchbowl. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1903. Curved and girdled with scrolled and leaf-capped base. Chased whiplash scrollwork and fruiting grapevine. Traditional form and motifs enlivened for the new century.  

An exhibition piece made for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, which commemorated the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase, when the United States purchased the territory of Louisiana from France. Franco-American relations are commemorated also in the attenuated, split-mounted handles which are mounted with cast figures of barefoot woman in loose uncorseted garb, waving a streamer overhead. An allusion to Loie Fuller, an American who started out as a bit-player in the Buffalo Bill roadshow and ended up as the toast of Belle Epoque Paris, thanks to her innovations in modern dance, which incorporated electric lighting. She was known as the “Electric Fairy.” Fuller’s sister bacchantes crouch with supplicating gestures underneath the bowl. Engraved interlaced script monogram.

Fully marked including maker’s stamp, exhibition stamp, and no. A3018. Very good condition.

Approximate overall dimensions: H 15 1/2 x W 24 1/2 x D 19 in. Approximate heavy weight: 361 troy ounces. #CE206