Hot water dish 1750 - 1775

This pewter "Hot Water Dish" was crafted by Thomas Swanson between 1750 and 1775 and is currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The dish is a circular, shallow vessel with a slightly raised edge. Its simplicity is characteristic of American pewter from the colonial period and demonstrates the use of utilitarian objects in domestic settings. The dish's design is unadorned, with the exception of two loop handles and a small, rectangular band near the rim. The metal's patina is a testament to its age and use. This dish is a fine example of colonial American pewter, highlighting the craftsmanship and functionality of the time.