Coffeepot (part of a set) 1773

This coffeepot, standing at just over 10 inches, was crafted from silver, gold, and wood by Johan Henrik Blom, likely in Sweden during the 18th century. More than a simple vessel for a beverage, it’s a display of status and allegiance. Coffee, once a rare import, had become a fashionable drink among the European elite and this coffeepot is adorned with elaborate gilded ornamentation and rococo flourishes. But most striking is the inclusion of a portrait, possibly royalty. The portrayal of political figures on everyday objects speaks to the pervasive influence of power and the desire to associate oneself with it. To truly understand the coffeepot, historians delve into sources like trade records, social histories of consumption, and even royal genealogies. Through this research, we can reveal the complex interplay between artistic expression, political power, and social identity in 18th-century Sweden.