-Cup and Saucer- still bank c. early to mid 20th century

This still bank, shaped like a cup and saucer, was created by an anonymous artist, using metal. The work’s design is dominated by the interplay of rounded forms, a juxtaposition of the cup's bowl shape with the saucer’s gentle curves. The metal, with its golden hue, reflects light in such a way as to give the surfaces a dynamic appearance, highlighting every curve and plane. The formal qualities of this object prompt considerations of function and representation. On one level, it’s a practical item, a money box. However, it also invokes the cultural context of tea drinking, with all the rituals and social meanings associated with it. The slot on the cup signifies a fusion of domestic comfort with capitalist frugality. Note how the overall structure and materials come together to communicate a message about the interplay between personal habits, cultural practices, and economic principles. The cup and saucer ultimately encourage us to consider how everyday objects can embody multiple layers of meaning.