Melkkan, peervormige 1778 - 1779

This pear-shaped milk jug was crafted by Willem Schiff, a silversmith active in the 18th century. Made of gleaming silver with a handle of warm, translucent horn, the jug speaks volumes about its time. Silver, a precious metal, wasn't just for display; it signified wealth and status. Shaping it required immense skill, with techniques like hammering, annealing, and polishing. These processes demanded rigorous training and physical labor. Notice the handle, too. The horn would have been carefully shaped and attached, combining practicality with aesthetic flair. Every curve, every detail tells a story of labor, luxury, and the social hierarchies of the 1700s. It challenges us to consider how materials and making are always entangled with culture, blurring the boundaries between art and craft.