Toleware Coffee Pot 1935 - 1942

This is a toleware coffee pot by John Hall, made around the late 18th century. Toleware refers to decorative objects made of tin-plated iron that have been painted, often with colorful designs. The making of this coffee pot reflects a blend of craft and industrial processes. Sheets of iron would have been shaped by hand using hammers and forms. The tin coating protected the iron from rust, and provided a smooth surface for painting. The painted decoration seems to depict a peach. Toleware was a popular, relatively affordable way to bring decorative arts into the home. Utilitarian objects such as coffee pots and trays were transformed into visually appealing items through painting. This democratization of design makes toleware an interesting intersection of craft, commerce, and the aesthetics of everyday life. Appreciating toleware involves recognizing the labor, skill, and materials that went into its creation. It's a testament to the fusion of function and beauty, challenging our conventional notions of fine art.