Kettle on Lampstand 1737 - 1738

Curator: Here we have a Kettle on Lampstand by Paul de Lamerie. De Lamerie was a prominent silversmith, active in the 18th century. Editor: Wow, it's like a teapot on steroids! It feels regal, almost like a tiny silver throne. Curator: Indeed. These kettles were status symbols, emblems of refinement and global trade. Note the lion's paw feet and ornate chasing. Lions are symbols of strength and royalty. Editor: It’s so detailed it's almost overwhelming, like visual white noise. I wonder, did people actually use these, or were they just for show? Curator: Both, perhaps. Serving tea was a ritual, a performance of gentility. These objects were part of constructing identity. Editor: So, it's less about the tea, and more about making a statement. Well, it’s certainly saying something even now. Curator: It continues to resonate. It reminds us how objects carry stories, reflecting the values of the past. Editor: Yeah, even a fancy teapot can hold a whole history.