Furniture Hardware 1820 - 1830

These brass furniture hardware pieces were crafted by Henry Kellam Hancock, likely during the mid-19th century. The golden hue of the brass, combined with its meticulous arrangement, evokes a sense of understated elegance and functionality. Notice how the composition is structured around the varying sizes and shapes—primarily circles and cylindrical forms balanced by square bases. This interplay creates a visual rhythm, with the repeated circular motifs suggesting unity and continuity. Hancock's choice of brass, and the way he treats the surface, reveals a careful consideration of material properties, creating a tactile, engaging viewing experience. These objects, while functional, transcend their utilitarian purpose through their careful design and arrangement. They invite us to consider how even the most mundane items can be elevated to objects of aesthetic contemplation. It is through the convergence of form, material, and composition that Hancock transforms simple furniture hardware into a study of proportion and balance. These elements speak to broader cultural values of the time, regarding craftsmanship and functional design.