I have always looked at this vessel as a candy dish. Funny enough, when I was researching candy dishes, I couldn’t find any that looked like this item. I did, however, come across a version that looked similar but it was considered to be a caviar server. Upon looking for some historical information, I found out that this may in fact be a caviar server, not a candy dish. There is a similar version found on the Brooklyn Museum website. This version seems to be made overseas because I bought it from a common retailer. I couldn’t find a version of it anywhere online. Upon more reading, it may not be a caviar server because they tend to have a bowl within a bowl to keep the caviar cold. I am now more convinced it is a candy dish. If it is a candy dish, reproduction metal dishes came en vogue in 1970. People like to put them on coffee tables to share with guests. Before 1970, glass and ceramic dishes were more popular due to the cost of metal.
I bought it for myself from the store called Urban Barn in Toronto. I may have been around 24 or 25 years old, so possibly 2011. It was marked down in the sale section. I have been the first and only owner of this item. They specialize in modern country design. I believe I purchased it on sale for $10, which at the time I thought that was a small price to pay for such a fun and cool object.
I didn’t go out looking for this item specifically. I probably went out just to look around the stores on Queen St. West. I bought the vessel because it was retro looking and was on sale. It was a want, not a need.
I have never considered who made it before now. I looked into where Urban Barn sources their home accessories, and it seems like most are imported from China. I am not sure who made it. There are no markings on it to tell where it was manufactured. I do know it is made of stainless steel. This vessel looks like it was cast. The foot is spot welded on and there are metal pins holding the lid to the bowl. It’s a really simple design. The lid slides along the outside of the bowl which is the same shape and it stops opening when it hits the foot underneath.
It reminds me of Austin Powers. That movie was one of my favourites in 1997 when I was 12 years old. I was really obsessed with all things 1960s after seeing it. I had inflatable furniture, a lava lamp, and beaded curtains. The atomic age design aesthetic is something I gravitate towards often. Atomic age design charateristics include sleek and smooth curves, edges, and lines. It also incorporates geometric designs like arches, circles, and polygons. I really like round objects. I also love that it’s reflective. It tends to get dusty and lose it’s sparkle so I dust it weekly to keep it shiny. It makes a nice sound when you open the lid and the top hits the foot. This particular vessel is opaque so it doesn’t show you what’s inside. That’s part of the surprise! Because it is opaque, sometimes I forget what I’ve stored inside. I have had candies go stale.
It lives on top my stereo underneath my TV. I have it on a metal tray with my remotes and gaming remotes. It has previously lived on the coffee table, but I moved it because it was empty of candy, and I have just never moved it back.
It makes me feel comfortable when I look at it. I use this when I’m feeling playful. I like to stock it with special candies. There is something about it that makes me feel more like myself when it’s in my orbit. I love reflective metal surfaces and it reminds me of an airstream. It reflects my love for organic shapes, atomic age & MCM design and candy! It’s a fun piece.
I have been the sole owner of this item. I use it to house special candies that I don’t dip into very often, like ginger chews or life savers. I would probably just want this item donated this when I’m gone. It doesn’t hold any real value and I bought it as a decor piece in my home. I just thought it was cool at the time. I have debated donating it several times because I’m not sure if I need it, but I always keep it because it is just a cool object. Becasue it is not easy to find online, I have a feeling people would like the MCM-style of it. I could probably get $20 for it online. I like to keep this around because it adds to the organic retro-inspired decor I have. I think it adds to the circular theme that is repeated throughout my house.
On a scale of 1-10 for how upset I’d be if this item broke (10 being very upset and 1 representing no thoughts given at all), I’d be a 4. I like this item, but it doesn’t hold any sentimental value to me. It adds to the overall aesthetic of my apartment, but does not define it.
Material Appreciation 