Slop Bowl 1848 - 1851

This silver slop bowl was made around 1840 by Ball, Tompkins & Black, a prominent New York City firm catering to the luxury market. Slop bowls were used during tea services to discard unwanted tea or food remnants. This particular piece, with its elaborate floral motifs and elegant feet, speaks volumes about the burgeoning American upper class of the time. The intricate design reflects a desire for refinement and the adoption of European customs, mirroring the social aspirations of a newly wealthy merchant class. This was a time when the US economy was shifting, and objects like this one played a role in defining status and belonging. Understanding the historical context, including the economic conditions and social norms, allows us to see this bowl not just as a functional object, but as a potent symbol of its era. Resources such as period newspapers and business records can reveal how objects like this were marketed, sold, and perceived.