Creamer 1800 - 1830

This Creamer was made from silver by Moore and Ferguson in the United States at the turn of the 19th century. The visual codes and historical associations embodied in the Creamer reflect the society of its time. During this period, the elite were concerned with projecting an image of refined taste, drawing inspiration from European aristocratic traditions, and silver objects like this one served as symbols of wealth and status. Creamers like this would have been used in the rituals of tea drinking, which had become an important social practice. The shape, materials, and craftsmanship reflected a desire to display a specific cultural identity associated with gentility. By studying artifacts like this Creamer, we can trace the evolution of social customs and the material culture of a particular era. Examination of trade records, inventories, and personal letters can reveal a more detailed understanding of its use. It emphasizes the social conditions that shape artistic production.