-Fisherman- mechanical bank

This is a mechanical bank made by Utexigual Products. It's made of cast iron, with some painted details. The process of casting iron involves pouring molten metal into a mold. Once cooled, it results in a solid form that can withstand daily use. The weight of the iron gives the bank a feeling of permanence and security. The bank depicts an idyllic scene of a fisherman trying to catch a fish. To use it, one would place a coin in the fisherman's hand, press a lever, and watch as the coin flies into the bank. The production of cast iron objects was a major industry, employing many workers under harsh conditions. These types of mechanical banks provided ordinary people with a way of saving money, fostering a culture of thrift, but also a sense of aspiration. The bank straddles the line between art, craft, and industrial production. And its charm invites us to think about the relationship between labor, leisure, and the value we place on both.