Calling Card Tray c. 19th century

Editor: This delicate silver tray, a "Calling Card Tray" from around the 19th century by Redlich Co., is really exquisite! I find it so ornate and intriguing; the floral patterns circling the edge are beautiful. What meaning or purpose do you think this imagery and object held at the time? Curator: The Victorians, especially, invested heavily in the language of flowers. Each bloom carried specific meanings - everything from affection to secret messages. But look closer—what do you notice about the engraving in the center? Editor: It looks like a monogram, intertwined letters, maybe a family's initials? Curator: Precisely. Calling card trays were prominently displayed, visual testaments to social standing and refined taste. They served not just a practical purpose, but broadcasted wealth and family history, becoming cultural symbols. Think about the symbolism here – flowers intertwined with a family's monogram. It’s all about visual cues within the constraints of Victorian society, don't you think? Editor: So the flowers and monogram are working together to signal the family's values and position? Is it like a family crest with unspoken messaging? Curator: Exactly! A crest tells a visual narrative of the values and aspirations. Can you see how powerful visual codes became in 19th century interactions? It's amazing what objects can reveal when we learn their language! Editor: I never would have thought about it that way. I will definitely look more carefully at the implied meanings of decorative objects now. Curator: Agreed. I will start looking into the implied narratives that floral imagery has for various Victorian families.