Sugar caster 1709 - 1710

This is a silver sugar caster, crafted by David André in the early 18th century. At first glance, the geometric, lattice-like structure of the caster catches the eye, but look closer and you will see the subtle floral motifs, and the repeated quatrefoil patterns which hark back to medieval symbolism. Such symbols transcend mere decoration. The quatrefoil, for example, once a Christian symbol, has echoes of a rose window, a sacred geometry designed to elevate and inspire. Here, however, it is repurposed for the domestic sphere, a quiet nod to a sacred past adapted to secular use. Consider how these ancient forms linger, transformed yet recognizable, across centuries. It is as though the collective memory embedded within these shapes continues to exert its subtle power. A sugar caster, now more than just a household item, a vessel carrying layers of history.