Condiment Set 1809

This condiment set was made of silver, around 1810, by Rebecca Emes. The material is integral to its very essence: silver, with its reflective sheen, signals status and luxury. Consider the making process. Each component was likely cast in a mold, then chased and engraved with fine detail. See the gadrooned borders, the delicate feet, the pierced lid of one pot. These would have been created by a highly skilled silversmith, trained in a tradition going back centuries. While we appreciate its form, we also understand the labor required for its production. This set isn't just about utility; it’s about display. It speaks volumes about the rituals of dining and the importance of visual refinement in early 19th century society. By recognizing the immense amount of work involved in its production, we can fully grasp its cultural meaning.