OBJECTS Interiors and the Art of Furniture Design Basket, 1900–1902 Hugo Leven (1874–1956) and Karl Geyer (1858–1912), design Manufactured by Kayserzinn, Krefeld Pewter, cast (lead-free alloy of tin and silver); height 22.5 cm, diam. 29 cm The Kayserzinn foundry (1862–1925), headed by Jean Kayser, acquired art designs for its products from the Cologne studio headed by Jean’s brother, Engelbert Kayser. Hugo Leven and Karl Geyer were reputed designers who worked for the company. This oval basket is stamped with the maker’s mark and model number 4308. The piece is made of Kayserzinn alloy, which earned the company many awards at numerous international exhibitions and world’s fairs (e.g. Paris 1900 and St. Louis 1904). The handle is formed of two intertwined plant stems that are drawn out into the inside of the bowl as extended decoration.