Fingerbowl c. 1929 - 1930

This fingerbowl, made of silver by an anonymous artist, is now part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection. The absence of a known creator and date invites us to consider the broader social and cultural context that might have shaped its creation. Objects like this existed within a complex web of social and economic relations. Silverware was not merely functional; it was a symbol of status and refinement, reflecting the values of a particular social class. The floral motifs could be seen as visual codes, referencing notions of beauty and luxury associated with aristocratic taste. Without knowing the object's origin, we might examine similar pieces, considering the workshops, trade routes, and social rituals that gave rise to them. Museum records, historical catalogs, and studies of material culture can help us understand the life of objects like these. By focusing on the social and institutional context, we can better understand its historical significance.