Punch strainer c. 1740 - 1750

Jacob Hurd, a prominent silversmith from Boston, crafted this punch strainer sometime between 1740 and 1750. The strainer is made of silver and features a circular bowl with a perforated bottom and two ornate handles. It is decorated with an elegant design of small crosses and delicate swirls, showcasing Hurd's meticulous craftsmanship and reflecting the popular Rococo style of the period. This piece, now part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection, provides a glimpse into the refined taste and practical needs of 18th-century American households.