These silverplate dishes date back to the 1960s. During the last century, silver makers made their pieces more versatile by adding plastic handles and glass or ceramic liners.

Two exhibits in Washington showcase the beauty of silver and gold

Date published: 9/22/2005

By SHEILA WICKOUSKI

For THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Once upon a time, there was a precious metal called silver. Not as rare as gold, and to some eyes not as gaudy, silver was alluring to craftsmen and decorative artists alike.

Because of its shine, silver easily reflected colors and materials in a way that other metals did not. Silver was practical--it could be fashioned into a variety of items from tableware to special objects such as jewelry, cigarette cases and objects of art.

Like gold, silver signified riches, and yet it was a luxury that even the middle class could boast of possessing.

Silver was mined for centuries, but most of the world's silver production occurred after America was discovered.

Major discoveries and technological innovation led to great increases in the availability of the metal and helped America become the leader in the silverware industry by the mid-19th century.

Silver's popularity had waned by the end of the 20th century. Purchases of sterling flatware had declined by nearly 50 percent as stainless steel became the material of choice.

"Modernism in American Silver: 20th-Century Design," an exhibit at the Renwick Gallery in Washington, tells the story of what happened in be-tween.

Organized by the Dallas Museum of Art, noted for its outstanding collection of modernist silver, the display of 200 silver pieces is also a story of the decorative arts in the 20th century.

The shrinking silver market of the 1920s and the stress of the Great Depression of the 1930s led to the use of less expensive materials for tableware. Chromium-plated metal and aluminum became popular.

To attract new customers, silver manufacturers turned to designs reflecting contemporary fashion and innovations in the arts and architecture.

Danish silver from Georg Jensen, with its organically curved natural forms, was growing in appeal. Elegant Scandinavian aesthetics seen in the works of Danish silversmith Erik Magnussen and Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen also influenced American silverware.

In addition, the Cubism of Picasso and Braque, the sleek lines of the skyscraper and the streamlined futurist appearance of speed in trains, automobiles and airplanes all led to contemporary designs in tea sets and cocktail shakers, candlesticks and flower vases.

WHAT: 'Modernism in American Silver: 20th-Century Design' WHERE: The Renwick Gallery, 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington WHEN: The exhibit runs through Jan. 22, 2006. The museum is open daily except Dec. 25, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. COST: Free INFO: 202/633-2850 WEB: americanart.si.edu/ renwick/index.cfm WHAT: 'Gold--The Asian Touch' WHERE: Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington WHEN: The exhibit runs through Feb. 19, 2006. The gallery is open daily except Dec. 25, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. COST: Free INFO: 202/633-4880 WEB: asia.si.edu

Date published: 9/22/2005