Flagon 1834 - 1860

This flagon was crafted in the 19th century by Rufus Dunham, a prominent figure in American decorative arts. In a society deeply stratified by class, objects like this flagon spoke volumes about status and identity. Silverware was not merely functional, it was a declaration of wealth and taste. Consider the social rituals surrounding dining, and the silent language of material culture. Who was invited to use this flagon, and who was excluded? Dunham's work, while embodying elegance, also hints at the complex economic system of the time. Think of the labor required to mine and refine the silver, often at the expense of marginalized communities. The opulence of this flagon, therefore, invites us to reflect on the stories of those whose labor made such luxury possible. It's a reminder that even the most beautiful objects are embedded in layers of social and economic history.