Tea Tongs 1785 - 1800

These silver tea tongs were crafted by John D. Germon, an American silversmith, sometime between 1800 and 1825. Although a utilitarian object, the care and expense that went into its design speak volumes about the culture of consumption in the early nineteenth-century United States. Consider the social rituals surrounding tea at this time. Tea consumption was initially associated with the wealthy classes and served as a marker of gentility. Tea drinking became more widespread across the social classes in the early 1800's. Objects like this would have played a role in the social rituals of the parlor. The material from which they were made would indicate the wealth and status of the hostess. The form and decoration were also important. Neoclassical motifs like the shell at the end of each arm were popular. To understand the social meaning of an object like this, the art historian considers documentary sources like inventories, trade cards, and pattern books. By understanding the place of such an object within its social context, we gain insight into the cultural values of its time.