Sugar Bowl 1835 - 1845

This is a silver sugar bowl made by Bailey and Kitchen between 1830 and 1846. It is an object of considerable structural interest. Notice how the geometric form is defined by its octagonal facets, a design choice that subtly plays with light and shadow across its surface. The handles, simple curved lines, offer a contrast to the bowl's angular body. The decoration is also carefully considered. Bands of repeating motifs, circles enclosing crosses, create a rhythm around the top and base, adding a layer of complexity to the otherwise smooth silver. This pattern functions as a sign, denoting luxury and craftsmanship. The lid, with its simple knob, mirrors the body’s geometry while maintaining a distinct presence. The bowl's shape and ornamentation can be interpreted as a dialogue between classical forms and emerging industrial aesthetics. It engages with ideas around functionality, beauty, and social status, and the bowl should be understood as part of a cultural discourse that assigns meaning to domestic objects.