Sugar caster 1740 - 1742

This sugar caster was made by Ferdinand Lachèse in the 18th century using silver. Silver is a precious metal valued for its lustrous shine and malleability. The caster's form showcases a combination of casting, chasing, and piercing techniques. The body was likely cast in separate sections before being joined, while the intricate openwork of the top was created by carefully piercing the silver sheet and then embellished by chasing. These skills are very demanding. The material's precious nature and the labor-intensive processes involved highlight the social context of luxury and refinement in the 1700s. Sugar, once a rare commodity, was becoming more accessible, thus driving a need for specialized tableware like this caster. The caster embodies the relationship between artistry, material wealth, and consumption, challenging distinctions between fine art and functional design.