Creamer 1790 - 1800

This creamer was made in the United States by Charles Faris around the turn of the 19th century. It is made of silver. Creamers were symbols of wealth and refinement in early America. This piece reflects the culture of elite society. The neoclassical design, evident in its symmetrical shape and delicate engraving, signals an engagement with European tastes, and the acquisition of luxury goods like this creamer were central to the gendering of consumerism in the new republic. The engraving would have been custom-made. To fully understand such an object, we need to delve into archives, account books, and period newspapers. This helps us learn about the social conventions surrounding tea, the economics of silver production, and the tastes of the families who commissioned such pieces. The creamer, then, becomes more than just a vessel; it becomes a window into a complex social world.