Porringer 1795 - 1816

This pewter porringer, crafted by Samuel Danforth between 1795 and 1816, is a fine example of American silversmithing. The piece, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features a simple, rounded bowl with a distinctive ornate handle. The handle, with its intricate design of scrolls and loops, contrasts with the smooth, slightly concave surface of the bowl. While the porringer's primary function was likely as a serving dish, its elegant design suggests its potential for use in a more formal setting. This piece demonstrates Danforth's skilled craftsmanship and reflects the aesthetic tastes of early American domestic life.