Wilhelm Kage (Swedish, 1889-1960) for Gustavsberg, Argenta Dual Handled Bowl

Sweden, 1933-1937, stoneware bowl with applied scroll handles and mottled green glaze, chiseled decoration made with a mix of silver paste, turpentine, and clove oil, signed "Gustavsberg / [anchor mark] G / KAGE / 901" with provenance label to underside.

5 3/4 x 13 1/2 x 10 3/4 in.

From the Estate of the late Jean Bainbridge, Halifax, Virginia

Label affixed to the underside reads:
"Gift to you from Margaret / Price . always known as Helea-s. / Bowl - she was on cruise w/ T-- Price husband + / Curtis James + purchased it in / Copenhagen 1934-5. She was / rumored to be author Curtis / James' mistress. He was steel magnate / - circle of friends included A. Carnegie, etc."

The "author Curtis James" mentioned is most likely referring to Arthur Curtiss James (1867-1941) who was a wealthy speculator in mines and railroads and was a Gilded Age philanthropist who ran in the same circles as steel magnate Andrew Carnegie.

Wilhelm Kåge (1889–1960) designed many classics for the Gustavsberg company. One of the most well-known series is Argenta from 1930. It was first presented at the Stockholm Exhibition of that year, where Swedish artists, craftsmen and companies showed their latest achievements.

The width of the Argenta pieces is striking, ranging from vases and bowls, to urns and sculptures. They were made of stoneware with monumental forms and Neoclassical or Art Deco motifs. Most of them came with a mottled strong green glaze. But they could also come in blue, brown, celadon green, or red color. The Argenta series was manufactured until the late 1970s.

Bio courtesy of Mother Sweden.

Overall crazing consistent with age; light silver rubbing to decoration; 1-1/2 in. hairline to upper rim.