Punch bowl c. 1900

This punch bowl was made by the Wuerttembergische Metallwaren Fabrik, or WMF, a German company renowned for its metalwork. It combines machine-made glass with plated Britannia metal, an alloy similar to pewter. WMF made these objects in a factory setting, where division of labor was key. The company was a pioneer of mass production in the decorative arts, offering luxury designs at an affordable price point. Here, the sinuous lines of Art Nouveau are rendered in both glass and metal, resulting in a striking contrast of textures and colors. The metalwork, with its floral motifs, envelopes the vibrant green glass liner, creating a sense of organic growth and vitality. The factory system allowed for precise replication, yet the human touch is still evident in the chasing and finishing of the metal. This punch bowl embodies the complex relationship between craft, design, and industrial production, challenging conventional notions of artistic authorship and value.