Trekpot before 1727

This silver 'Trekpot,' or teapot, was crafted by Frederik van Strant in the late 17th or early 18th century, a time when tea was becoming increasingly popular in Europe. Objects like this teapot weren't just functional; they were markers of status and taste. As tea consumption grew, so did the demand for elaborate tea services, reflecting the wealth and social aspirations of the emerging middle class. The European consumption of tea also reveals the legacy of colonialism and trade routes that brought tea and other goods from Asia. Consider the complex histories embedded in this small object. It is a symbol of luxury and a reminder of the global networks of exchange that shaped early modern society. While the tea warmed their bodies, colonialism was busy stealing souls.