Bowl with lid

Workshop of Otto Roland Mellin, Helsinki, 1908. Height 21,5 cm.

Finland in the 20th century had some designers, such as Erik. O. W. Ehström, who occasionally designed precious metal works but did not surrender themselves exclusively to the profession of a goldsmith or a designer of goldsmith’s work.

Otto Roland Mellin (active from 1860 onwards) apprenticed in his father’s, Roland Mellin’s, workshop, obtained his journeyman’s qualifications in 1853 and conducted his masterwork in 1860. Mellin died in 1907, so the bowl was made in his workshop.

The bowl was designed by an unidentified designer, but its stylistic affinity with the works of European companies, such as its contemporary Wiener Werkstätte, demonstrates how the designer was well versed in international trends.

The edge of the lid has a small rectangular gap, which was likely meant for a spoon. The bowl and the lid are gilded inside.

Source:

Borg 1972 (1935), s. 227.