Coffeepot 1780 - 1790

This coffeepot was made by Ephraim Brasher, a New York goldsmith, probably in the late 18th century. It is fabricated primarily from sheets of sterling silver, shaped through hammering, raising, and seaming. The handle is made of wood, probably stained ebony, for heat resistance and a comfortable grip. The coffeepot's gleaming surface speaks to the silversmith's skill in manipulating a precious material into a functional and elegant form. Its neoclassical design, with fluted spout and engraved details, reflects the refined tastes of the period. Consider the labor involved; from mining and refining the silver, to the multiple stages of forming and finishing. Objects like this coffeepot offer insights into social and economic dynamics. Silver was a store of value, and its transformation into a coffeepot signals wealth and status. The very ritual of coffee drinking was tied to global trade networks, colonialism, and of course, enslaved labor. By considering the full material and social context, we appreciate the significance of this object far beyond its beauty.