Tea and Coffee Service 1809 - 1812

This tea and coffee service was made by Simon Chaudron, who was active in Philadelphia in the early 19th century. It's fabricated from sheets of sterling silver, which have been raised, seamed, and soldered together. Note the handles, which are made of wood, likely ebony. The set gleams, reflecting light in every direction and showing off the silversmith's skill. But it also speaks to the social context of its creation. Silver was a luxury material, and owning such a service was a sign of wealth and status. The neoclassical design, with its symmetrical forms and geometric patterns, evokes a sense of order and refinement. Yet, the labor involved in creating such a set, from mining the silver to the meticulous work of the silversmith, is largely invisible. Considering the set's materiality and making, we can appreciate its beauty and craftsmanship, while also reflecting on the social and economic forces that shaped its creation.