The Piece

An antique pierced silverplate bowl from the Lovelace pattern, produced by the International Silver Company in the early 20th century. Elevated on its original wire stand, this piece balances ornamental delicacy with architectural presence. The pierced rim casts intricate lace-like shadows, while the smooth spun center grounds the form visually and functionally.

Natural age has produced a richly iridescent patina across the surface, with blue, violet, and warm tonal shifts that speak to both time and material honesty. The result is a quietly dramatic object that reads equally well as functional tableware or sculptural décor.

Historical Context

Founded in 1898, the International Silver Company became the dominant American silverplate manufacturer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their Lovelace pattern emerged during the Edwardian-to–early Art Deco transition, a period defined by refined ornamentation, lighter forms, and a move away from the heavier Victorian aesthetic.

Lovelace pieces were designed for households that valued elegance without excess—decorative, but restrained. Today, the pattern is sought after for its balance of romance and structure, making it especially relevant in modern interiors.

Product Details

Condition Notes

This piece retains its original stand and shows no breaks or repairs. Surface wear and oxidation are consistent with age and intentionally preserved. The patina has not been polished out, honoring the integrity and visual depth of the piece.

Why It Belongs in Your Home

This is not silver meant to disappear into a formal table setting. It’s silver meant to be seen. The pierced rim creates shifting shadows throughout the day, making it ideal for an entry console, open shelving, or layered vignette. Use it as a catchall, jewelry bowl, or sculptural accent—its function is flexible, its presence assured.

It brings softness to modern spaces and restraint to traditional ones. A piece that feels collected, not styled.

From the CEO

“I’m drawn to objects that sit comfortably between function and form—pieces that don’t need explanation, but reward attention. This Lovelace bowl does exactly that. The patina, the shadow play, the balance of delicacy and structure—it’s quiet, but confident. That’s the kind of object I want in my own home, and the standard I hold for Viridian.”

— Founder & CEO, Viridian Eclection