Zandstrooier van inktstel 1725 - 1750

This is a sand caster, part of an ink set, made by Jurriaan van Kalker, crafted from silver. The caster’s cylindrical form, articulated with bands and topped with a perforated lid, speaks to the precision and skill required in silversmithing. Note the repeated circular forms. Such an object highlights the contrast between the value placed on precious metals and the relative disposability of the sand it once held, used to dry ink on paper. The form reflects broader social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. A silversmith would have been a highly trained artisan, working within a guild system. The act of making this object—shaping, joining, and refining the silver—imbues it with cultural significance. It's a reminder that even the most functional objects can be elevated through skilled craftsmanship, blurring the lines between the fine and decorative arts.