Ice Bowl
Decorative Arts and Design

Ice Bowl
Artwork Details
Artist/Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, established 1831, manufacturer
Date
1871
Medium
Silver
Accession #
1990.85
Dimensions
6 3/4 x 10 3/4 x 10 3/4 inches
Location
On View - Stent Family Wing, Level 3, Gallery 306
Description
Adorned with polar bears frolicking on a glacier, this bowl is Gorham’s playful response to American fascination with the cold Northwest after the acquisition of the Alaskan territory in 1867. As shaved ice melted inside the bowl, frost would form on the outside and water would drip down the silver icicles, creating a theatrical presentation for the table. A spoon with a matching polar bear finial and two harpoons as the handle accompanies the bowl.