Chocolate pot 1705 - 1706

This chocolate pot was made by Robert Cooper in England, sometime around the turn of the 18th century. It's primarily made of silver, a material valued for its reflective beauty and resistance to tarnish. Consider the processes involved in its making: the melting and hammering of the silver, the careful chasing of the decorative motifs, the joinery with the wooden handle. These techniques required a high degree of skill, honed through years of apprenticeship. The silversmith would have used specialized tools like hammers, anvils, and dies to shape the metal with precision. This chocolate pot speaks to the rise of consumer culture and global trade. Chocolate, once a rare and exotic commodity, became increasingly popular in Europe, fueling the demand for specialized vessels like this one. Its silvery sheen and elegant form reflect the aspirations of a rising merchant class eager to display its wealth and refinement. By understanding the materials, making, and context of this object, we gain a deeper appreciation for its cultural significance, challenging distinctions between fine art and craft.