Communion cup and paten cover 1657 - 1658

This communion cup was made by an anonymous maker out of silver. Look closely, and you'll notice the hammered texture all over the cup. This wasn’t made with the slick perfection of a machine, but by hand, with repeated blows of a hammer. The silversmith would have gradually coaxed the metal into its final shape, a testament to skill and patience. The beauty of the cup lies not just in its form, but in the time and labor invested in its creation. Each imperfection tells a story of human touch, a connection to the craftsperson. The hammered surface catches the light, shimmering and reflecting in a way that no mass-produced object ever could. Considering the hand-making of this communion cup invites us to reflect on the social dimensions of labor, and the value we place on things made with care and attention.