The Piece

A small American copper bronzeware vase produced by DHAAL in Copper, Kansas, at the turn of the 20th century. Slender and utilitarian in form, this vessel reflects a period when decorative metalwork in the United States emphasized material integrity over ornament.

The surface bears a deeply developed natural patina, shifting from warm brown to dark umber, with scattered verdigris that has emerged organically over time. The coloration is uneven, honest, and uncorrected. This is not a finish. It is the result of decades of quiet existence.

Design & Construction

→ Copper-based bronzeware alloy
→ Hand-formed or early spun construction
→ Narrow neck with subtly flared rim
→ Rounded lower body for stability
→ Flat base stamped: DHAAL – Made in Copper, Kansas – Bronzeware

The form is spare and functional, free of applied decoration. Subtle surface irregularities and asymmetry are consistent with early metalworking techniques and small-batch production.

The stamped base mark remains legible despite oxidation, further confirming authenticity and age.

Historical Context

At the turn of the 20th century, small American metalworks produced bronzeware vessels intended for everyday domestic use. These objects were not designed as art pieces, but as durable household items meant to last generations.

Midwestern production centers like Copper, Kansas supplied homes with practical goods that valued longevity over style. Over time, many of these objects developed richly layered patinas, transforming utilitarian wares into sculptural artifacts.

This vase is a direct product of that moment: American-made, materially honest, and shaped by use rather than trend.

Condition

Good antique condition, consistent with age.

→ Structurally sound
→ Heavy surface oxidation and verdigris throughout
→ No evidence of polishing or modern intervention
→ Stable patina with no active corrosion

The surface wear is intrinsic to the piece and should not be altered.

Why It Belongs in Your Home

This vase carries weight without excess.

It belongs in a space where material history is allowed to speak: on a shelf, a desk, or a table where its surface can be read slowly. It holds a single stem beautifully, but needs nothing to justify its presence.

This is an object that has already done its work. Now it endures.

Details

→ Maker: DHAAL
→ Origin: Copper, Kansas, USA
→ Estimated Date: c. 1890–1915
→ Material: Copper-based bronzeware
→ Finish: Naturally developed patina
→ One-of-a-kind antique example