Tripod bowl
Erik Magnussen
(Danish (active in the United States), 1884–1961)
Gorham Manufacturing Company
(active 1865–1961)
designed about 1928
Object PlaceProvidence, Rhode Island, United States
Medium/TechniqueSilver with gilt interior
DimensionsOverall: 9.3 x 11.2 cm (3 11/16 x 4 7/16 in.)
Credit LineThe John Axelrod Collection
Accession number1999.253
On View
Not on viewClassificationsSilver hollowware
DescriptionThe giraffes that serve as tripod supports for this petite candy dish were among a menagerie of designs that Erik Magnussen created for Gorham. Storks, deer, and pelicans are but three of the many animals the artist included in similar designs that Gorham put into production sometime in 1928. All featured a circular ring-shaped base. The pelican version, which included an agate ball beneath each of the three feet, cost $43.34 to produce and retailed at $75.
This text has been adapted from "Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000," edited by Jeannine Falino and Gerald W.R. Ward, published in 2008 by the MFA. Complete references can be found in that publication.
1650–1700
