Four Matching Dishes 1828 - 1850

These four matching dishes were crafted by William I. Tenney sometime between 1808 and 1850. These bowls speak volumes about the social and economic status of those who commissioned and used such items. In a society deeply divided by class, owning silverware was a potent symbol of wealth and gentility. It reflected aspirations of upward mobility within a burgeoning capitalist system. These silver dishes are not merely functional objects; they are artifacts that embody a set of social values and power dynamics. Furthermore, consider the labor and resources required to produce such luxury items. The mining of silver, the craftsmanship involved in shaping these bowls, and the distribution networks all relied on complex systems of labor, often involving marginalized communities. These dishes act as both a mirror and a window—reflecting the values of a particular social class while offering us a glimpse into the broader historical forces at play.