Two-handled cup 1770 - 1780

This two-handled cup was crafted by Matthew West in the late 18th or early 19th century from solid silver. This wasn't just pouring molten metal into a mold; it involved skills like raising, hammering the silver into shape, and chasing, using tools to create the fine decorative details. The cup's beauty lies in silver's ability to be shaped and retain intricate designs. Notice the engraved pastoral scenes, garlands, and medallions. Silver like this wasn't just a material; it was a store of value and status. Owning such a piece displayed wealth, and the craftsmanship involved reflected a society that prized skilled labor. The making of this cup links directly to the social context of its time. Silversmithing was a trade with established hierarchies and guilds, and luxury goods were a potent symbol of social class and power. Appreciating the cup involves understanding the labor, materials, and the society that gave it meaning.