Art Deco basket sugar bowl, silver-plated brass and glass, Poland, 1930s

A basket sugar bowl from the 1930s, made of silver-plated brass with a smooth glass insert, is an example of Polish metalwork from the interwar period. The form is based on the archetype of a small basket with a high, curved handle set on simple joints and a solid, slightly flared base. The surface finish is matte, with a subdued, silvery-grey shade and visible patina, and the slender body is decorated with a frieze of geometric, stylised wave or leaf patterns—a motif characteristic of Art Deco. Between the decorative lines, there are small abrasions and signs of use, as well as minor pitting, confirming the original substance of the antique. The glass insert, perfectly fitted into the metal body, gives the whole a sense of lightness and emphasises the functionality of the form, contrasting with the cool silvering. The proportions of the vessel remain harmonious—from the wide opening through gently sloping sides to the balanced base, and the lack of modern repairs attests to the authenticity of the object. The condition is very good—the vessel has retained its age patina, with no modern interventions. This item seems to tell the story of pre-war Lviv, a city where tradition met the modernity of Art Deco. The raw metal and expressive frieze reflect the spirit of the era—a fascination with geometry, clean lines, and synthetic beauty. Each encounter of light with the matte surface reveals the natural trace of years, as if the vessel quietly recalls elegant afternoons over tea and family conversations. The basket handle evokes lightness and daily celebration, showing the practicality and visual clarity of 1930s design. The sugar bowl can be paired with glassware of simple forms or porcelain decorated with restraint to emphasise its Art Deco pedigree. It will work well both on an elegant table in a cosy dining room and as a subtle accent in a collector's study or a classically decorated living room. It is worth combining it with other elements from the era—geometric candlesticks, nickel-plated trays, or pressed glass—to bring out the potential for stylish harmony of the interwar years.