Cake or Bread Basket 1800 - 1818

This silver "Cake or Bread Basket" is a fine example of American silversmithing from the early 19th century, crafted by Samuel Richards Jr. between 1800 and 1818. The piece, which is now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, features a square bowl with rounded corners, a raised base, and two elegant handles. The simple design and refined craftsmanship highlight the skilled artistry of the period, reflecting the growing prominence of American silversmithing in the early 19th century.