Cann 1782 - 1785

This silver cann, created by American silversmith Joseph Richardson Jr. between 1782 and 1785, is a fine example of colonial-era craftsmanship. It features a simple, elegant design with a flared, bell-shaped body, a rounded base, and a gracefully curved handle. Richardson Jr., born in 1752 and active in Philadelphia, was known for his high-quality silverwork, and this cann, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to his skill. The cann is a quintessential object of early American domestic life, used for serving beverages like tea, coffee, or ale.