Porringer c. 1725 - 1730

This is a silver porringer, crafted by John Burt in the early 18th century, now residing at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The most striking feature is its handle—an intricate, almost lace-like design. This handle is not merely functional; it's a flourish, a statement. It reminds us of the handles found on ancient Greek kraters used for mixing wine, or even the ceremonial ladles of ancient priestesses. Consider the circle, too, the shape of the bowl itself. This symbolizes unity, wholeness, the cycle of life, and the communal act of sharing nourishment. We can see echoes of this form in countless cultural artifacts across time, from the chalices of medieval rituals to the bowls used in sacred rites in indigenous cultures. The act of eating, so central to human existence, is elevated here. The porringer reflects a complex interplay of utility, beauty, and the enduring human need for ritual and connection.