Art Nouveau fruit basket, chromed brass, glass, Germany, early 20th century

This Art Nouveau fruit basket is made of chromed brass and originates from Germany in the early 20th century. Its silhouette features the typical Jugendstil openness of form – the body, with a distinct geometric line, is adorned with openwork garlands and stylised festoon motifs, and the whole is topped with a gently curved, movable handle with linear cut-outs. The basket includes a removable, transparent glass insert – most likely original – allowing for elegant and practical use. The upper rim and feet show no visible joints, and the handle is attached with slender rivets and precise soldering. The colour scheme is matte silvery chrome, with some discolouration and natural patina, emphasising the historical character of the object. The product is in good condition, with minor scratches and small chips on the glass rim, clearly shown in the photos. The form of this basket is a subtle manifesto of early modernism – it tells of an era when metal and light were invited into salons with a new rhythm. The Art Nouveau openwork forms dance-like lines, evoking the atmosphere of early 20th-century German cities, where ornament blended into everyday life without imposing heaviness. The shade of old chrome with delicate patina gives the basket a voice of objects that still remember salon gatherings and elegant breakfasts from past decades; the glass insert discreetly combines function with decoration, maintaining the coherence of the design. The basket can be used as a decorative element in the living room – it works well as a fruit bowl on a classic chest of drawers or as a centrepiece on a light wood table. Surrounded by clear glass or silver-plated vessels, it highlights the Art Nouveau line. It fits both historic eclectic interiors and modern arrangements, where metallic accents break the austerity of the background. It is worth pairing it with delicate textiles to let the soft shine emphasise the subtlety of Jugendstil motifs.