Teapot 1777 - 1790

This teapot was made by Joseph Richardson Jr., probably in Philadelphia, sometime in the late 18th century. It is made primarily of hammered and shaped silver, with a turned wood handle. Silversmithing was a highly skilled craft. The process began with melting down silver ingots. These were then forged into sheets. From there, the smith would use a hammer and various stakes to gradually coax the metal into the desired form. The flat-planed sides of this teapot reflect that process. The silversmith then carefully soldered the various components together, before burnishing the entire surface to a high shine. Consider the social context: silver objects like this were not just functional items, but potent symbols of wealth and status. They represent a highly refined aesthetic, and the skilled labor required to produce them. The wooden handle, in contrast to the silver, offers a point of human connection. The teapot's refined design represents the melding of utility, status, and artistry that defines American decorative arts.