Pair of casters 1740 - 1741

Here we see a pair of casters made by Samuel Wood, crafted in silver to a height of nearly five inches. The eye is immediately drawn to the caster's smooth, reflective surface, and the play of light across its subtly curved form. The object is divided into distinct sections, each contributing to its overall structure. At the base, a gently flared foot gives way to a rounded body, which then tapers upwards to a cylindrical neck, culminating in an ornate, pierced dome. These divisions create a visual rhythm, a sequence of forms that speak to the caster's function and its creator's formal sensibility. A heraldic engraving sits just beneath the neck, offering a glimpse into the socio-cultural context of its creation. The caster invites us to consider the relationship between form and utility, between decoration and purpose. It serves as a reminder that even the most functional objects can be imbued with aesthetic intention, transforming the everyday into the extraordinary.