Many designers collaborated with Denmark's Georg Jensen, but none with more éclat than Johan Rohde, a painter, sculptor, and architect with a keenly innovative eye. One of Rohde's most extraordinary creations was this silver tea set ($30,050) with ebony handles from the 1930s. The beauty is in the sculptural forms and shimmering texture; the only decorations are tiny berries and one perfect leaf on the spoon handle. "There is no other major silversmith in the world whose pieces are all handmade," says Michael James of The Silver Fund, which carries the largest selection of Jensen estate silver in the world, including this tea set. "Because the surfaces are continually hammered and heated, they develop a deep, rich patina, what Jensen called moonlight glow." Although both Jensen and Rohde died in 1935, silversmiths at Georg Jensen still make the set by hand--a compelling combination of contemporary craftsmanship and tradition. The Silver Fund, London, 877-224-5230; www.thesilverfund.com. Georg Jensen, New York, 212-759-6457; www.georgjensen.com.
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Silver Streak
Georg Jensen's silver tea set
