Mustard pot 1755 - 1756

This is a silver mustard pot made by Louis-Gaspard Thévenot, likely in France sometime in the 18th century. As you can see, the piece has been carefully wrought, with a swirling, almost Baroque structure. This was not achieved through casting, but through the skilled manipulation of silver sheet, hammering it into shape before soldering the parts together. Observe how light dances across the reflective surface, a result of both the material’s inherent qualities and the silversmith’s careful finishing. Think about the amount of labor and skill it took to produce such an object. The mustard pot speaks to the culture of dining in the 1700s, where even condiments were served from vessels of considerable artistry, reflecting social status and refined taste. Ultimately, this piece challenges us to consider the value and artistry embedded within functional objects, blurring the boundaries between the decorative arts, design, and sculpture.