Ewer (part of a set) 1727 - 1728

This ewer was made by Simon Pantin the First, a London silversmith, probably in the early 18th century. It's made of hammered silver, then gilded. The body of the ewer is raised from a single sheet of the metal, using hammers and stakes to gradually coax the form into being. The handle is cast, then soldered in place. This kind of craftsmanship was the height of refinement in its day. The ewer’s gleaming surface speaks to the sheer labour involved. Gold and silver were stores of value, and their transformation into functional luxury wares was a means of converting wealth into impressive display. It also provided employment for skilled artisans like Pantin, who here was not just fabricating a vessel, but also solidifying social hierarchies through his craft. Next time you encounter an object like this, remember that its value lies not just in its precious materials, but in the hours of skilled work required to bring it into being. This is a reminder of the close relationship between aesthetics and economics, and of the artistry that often goes unacknowledged in the story of design.