Pitcher by John B. Jones and Company

Artwork details

Medium
silver, ceramic
Dimensions
31.1 × 11.6 cm (12 1/4 × 4 9/16 in.)
Location
The Art Institute of Chicago
Copyright
Public Domain

Tags

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silver

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ceramic

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ceramic

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decorative-art

About this artwork

This pitcher was made by John B. Jones and Company, out of solid silver. Consider how the silversmith has worked with the material. They have used techniques like hammering, soldering, and engraving to shape and decorate the pitcher. These processes require skill, precision, and a deep understanding of the material's properties. Note the leaves that adorn the base of the pitcher. These details transform a functional object into something visually appealing. Silverware like this was typically commissioned by wealthy families. It represented status and taste. Owning such objects served as a display of refinement and social standing. The amount of labor that went into its production reflects the social hierarchies of the time. Looking closely at the object reveals the human labor involved in its creation, inviting us to appreciate both the artistry and the broader social context in which it was made.

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