Creamer 1800 - 1810

This creamer was crafted by Samuel Williamson, a silversmith active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Its reflective surface catches the light, revealing a play between smooth, curved lines and sharply defined, octagonal facets. The handle, a slender, sinuous form, offers a counterpoint to the more angular body. This juxtaposition introduces a tension, destabilizing our expectations of symmetry and balance. The engraved monogram, framed by delicate wreaths, disrupts the otherwise unadorned surface, inviting a semiotic reading. Consider how the creamer’s form engages with broader cultural codes of luxury and refinement. The choice of silver as a medium, its malleability allowing for both precise geometric shapes and fluid lines, speaks to a negotiation between tradition and modernity. The creamer is not merely functional; it’s a site where form and utility intersect, reflecting the values and aesthetics of its time.