Punch strainer 1718 - 1719

This punch strainer was made by John Albright, sometime around 1718-1720. Though seemingly a humble object, it speaks to the social rituals of its day, and to the growth of manufacture in colonial America. Such a utensil was likely used in the homes of the wealthy, signifying their ability to procure precious metals and exotic spices from around the world. It marks a shift in social life, with the rise of dedicated spaces for dining and entertainment. The culture of genteel hospitality was emerging, alongside a class of specialized craftsmen like Albright. By studying probate inventories, merchant records, and other archival sources, we can piece together a picture of the economic and social world that this object once inhabited. The meaning of art, then, lies not just in its aesthetic qualities, but also in its relationship to the broader culture from which it emerged.