Tureen 1736 - 1737

This tureen was created by Paul de Lamerie, a master silversmith working in 18th century London. It is made entirely of silver, shaped through a combination of hammering, casting, and chasing. The material speaks to the importance of dining as a display of power. The sheer weight of the silver, nearly five kilograms, would have been impressive to its owner's guests, and would have required considerable labor to mine, refine, and form. Note the lion on top of the lid, a symbol of British power. The amount of work involved in bringing this silver to life – forming the legs, handles, and lid, and then carefully chasing the surface with intricate patterns of foliage and heraldry – speaks volumes about the hierarchies of production during this period. De Lamerie was one of the most celebrated silversmiths of his day, catering to an elite clientele keen to showcase their wealth and taste. This tureen, therefore, is much more than just a functional object. It reflects the politics of consumption, labor, and the visual display of status.