Sugar Tongs 1882 - 1892

Curator: Well, aren't these Sugar Tongs by Tiffany & Co. something? They date back to sometime between 1882 and 1892. It is quite something how daily utensils can be pieces of art. Editor: My first thought? Dainty, and also maybe... a little absurd. Imagine needing something so exquisitely crafted just to pluck a lump of sugar. It feels symbolic somehow, doesn’t it? Curator: Absurd, maybe, but undeniably gorgeous. You know, it is that juxtaposition of function and beauty that Tiffany really nailed, isn't it? Look at the silver work! Those subtle floral engravings are just delicious. It reminds you that even the simplest actions deserve some elegance. Editor: Delicious, yes, but also dripping with implications about access and luxury, isn't it? These weren’t made for everyone. Who had the time and money to worry about elegant sugar handling? The Arts and Crafts movement was also taking off at the time. The late 19th century was such a ripe time for social commentary. Curator: True, the decorative arts scene then was all about handmade objects. There were these dialogues in that time about what is an industry for mass society and the value of art and handicraft objects. Editor: Exactly. This isn't just decorative; it is practically a declaration! It's whispering a narrative of American consumerism, and even capitalist dreams wrapped in these floral motifs. And that they ended up here at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is perhaps the peak of all that symbolism. Curator: Well, for me they are an emblem of artistic ambition. I appreciate that these tiny tools allow for so many avenues of discussion: social criticism, artistry, economics, consumerism...it all goes through you at once! Editor: They serve as a beautiful reminder to examine everything with a critical eye. Curator: Cheers to that! And, of course, to maybe one day owning my own incredibly fancy, absurdly beautiful sugar tongs.