-Lap-Over-Edge- Flatware 1880

This silver flatware was designed by Charles T. Grosjean, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. The naturalistic motifs of insects, fungi, and plants suggest a connection to the Arts and Crafts movement. Made in the United States, this flatware speaks to a time of rapid industrialization and urbanization. In reaction, the Arts and Crafts movement emphasized handcrafted objects and a return to nature, often seen as an antidote to the perceived ills of modernity. But who could afford such handcrafted goods? Silver flatware such as this would have appealed to affluent consumers seeking to display their refined taste and appreciation for art. Understanding the historical context of such objects requires archival research into design trends, social class, and the economics of craft production. We can see how the Arts and Crafts movement was not simply a style, but a complex cultural phenomenon with social and economic implications.