Dish 1885 - 1895

This dish was made by Engelbert Kayser, sometime around the turn of the 20th century, using a metal alloy called "Kayserzinn," which gives it its pewter-like appearance. The process behind this dish reflects broader social issues of labor and industrial production. Kayser owned a factory, and his designs were realized through a combination of skilled handwork and mechanized means. It was likely made using molds, but then finished by hand. Notice how the embossed, swirling decoration is crisp in some areas, soft in others. This is a tell-tale sign of the pressures and tolerances in mass production. While the dish looks like fine silver, Kayserzinn was much more affordable. This speaks to the rise of a consumer culture, where even working people could aspire to own beautiful things. By considering the material and making of this object, we can appreciate how it blurs the boundaries between art, craft, and industrial design. It serves as a reminder that everyday objects can carry significant cultural and social meaning.