Dish 1794 - 1797

This elegant dish, maker marked “F.G.T,” is made of silver, a precious material often associated with wealth and status. The dish was likely formed through a combination of techniques. The main body was probably raised or hammered from a single sheet of silver, requiring considerable skill to shape the metal without thinning or cracking it. Decorative elements, like the detailed border, could have been separately cast or repousséd – hammered from the reverse to create a relief pattern. The surface was probably polished to a high shine, enhancing the silver's reflective qualities and luxurious appeal. The labor and skill involved in producing such an object were significant. Silversmithing was traditionally a highly specialized craft, passed down through apprenticeships and often organized within guild systems. Owning a piece like this signified not only economic power, but also an appreciation for artistry and tradition. Considering its material, making, and context helps us understand the Dish not just as a functional object, but as a statement of cultural values.