Canister for Cinnamon c. 1774

Martin Boockmann made this Canister for Cinnamon out of pewter at an unknown date. Pewter is an alloy, usually mostly tin, with a bit of other metals like copper and antimony for strength. Notice the soft grey sheen, which can become even more lustrous with polishing. This quality, along with its relative affordability, made pewter a popular choice for domestic objects like this one. The canister was likely made by casting the pewter in a mold, and then turning it on a lathe to create a smooth, even surface. This semi-industrial process allowed for relatively quick production. The inscription and decorative lines would have been added by hand, making each piece unique. While not as precious as silver or gold, pewter objects like this one were still a sign of middle-class prosperity. They speak to the growing availability of global goods like cinnamon, and the increasing importance of domestic display. So this object is both practical, and subtly aspirational.