Tureen c. 19th century

This tureen, with no known date, was made by Johann Wilhelm Stucker out of pewter. The beauty of pewter lies in its simplicity. A humble alloy, mostly tin, it lacks the preciousness of silver, yet it can be skillfully wrought, as seen here. Notice the pleasing heft of the piece, and the soft sheen of the metal. Pewter was often cast in molds, allowing for relatively quick production. The casting process speaks to a moment in history when objects like these were becoming more accessible, part of the rise of a consumer culture. But it is equally important to acknowledge the labor involved. Pewterers often worked long hours in hot, cramped workshops. This tureen invites us to consider the many hands and processes that have shaped our material world. Appreciating this prompts us to challenge the conventional hierarchies between fine art and the everyday objects that enrich our lives.