Mand 1789

This silver basket was crafted by Johannes Horstman sometime in the 18th century. Silver objects like this were a marker of social status. Consider the labor required to extract the raw material from the earth, to refine it, and then to transform it into an object of beauty. The basket features a pierced body, handles, and a central ornament of a flower, all hallmarks of the silversmith's trade. The material itself, silver, is highly ductile and malleable, allowing for intricate designs and delicate forms. Look closely and you'll see the reticulated pattern of the basket, each opening carefully cut out. This would have been done by hand, using saws, files, and other specialized tools. The chasing and engraving add further refinement, giving the surface a tactile quality that invites touch. The basket sits on small, elegant feet, elevating it both literally and figuratively. It is a testament to the skill and artistry of its maker, and a reminder of the social hierarchies that shaped its creation.