Mustard Pot 1874 - 1884

This mustard pot was made by Tiffany & Co., using mixed metals. Silver forms the structural base, with copper, gold, and other alloys inlaid to create a complex surface design. The process of layering and integrating different metals requires meticulous skill. Each element is carefully shaped and fitted, then likely fused together using techniques like soldering or hammering. The contrast between the bright silver and the warmer tones of copper and gold gives the piece a rich, tactile quality. This aesthetic reflects a broader interest in exoticism and Japonisme that was fashionable at the time, a taste that could easily be indulged by the wealthy consumers who bought Tiffany’s wares. This mustard pot is more than just a functional object, it represents a fusion of art, craft, and industrial production, blurring the lines between luxury goods and artistic expression.