Martel Water Picher
Gorham and Company, founded in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1831, became, with Tiffany, the leading producer of silverware in 19th-century America. Although relying heavily on industrial production techniques from the beginning, the company departed from this tradition in 1897 by introducing a new line aimed at a rarified market. Influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, this line was known as Martelé (“hammered” in French), for each piece was individually raised and decorated by hand from silver, which was purer and more malleable than the sterling standard. While the line was developed and overseen by the Englishman William C. Codman, who became Gorham’s chief designer in 1891, all objects were specially designed, with the result that none of the approximately 4,800 pieces produced were identical. 1.
This water pitcher, made in 1905 when the production of Martelé reached its height, exemplifies the influence of the fanciful French Art Nouveau style. The emphasis on undulating, organic forms is evident in every aspect of the pitcher’s design: the swelling lobe-shaped sides outlined by curved vertical molding, the graceful scalloped everted lip and spout, the double curve of the handle, and shaped flowing base with lightly rounded lobed feet. The decoration, chased in bold relief and employing motifs drawn from nature, is typical of Art Nouveau. Twining around the body of the pitcher is the climbing plant known as hop (Humulus lupulus); its distinctive leaves and the drooping cone-like flowers of the female of the species also decorate the spout and handle, providing added unity to this organic piece.
Because only the wealthy could afford this individually designed and handcrafted silver, the line was discontinued in 1912, although a few special commissions were executed later. During its brief life Martelé exemplified the height of creativity, craftsmanship, and sophistication in American decorative arts, and gained wide recognition by winning prizes in international expositions in Paris, Milan, and St. Louis.
