Wine Funnel c. 1811

Editor: Here we have John Robertson II's silver Wine Funnel. It's surprisingly ornate for what I assume is a utilitarian object. What's your take on this piece? Curator: The silver suggests luxury. But consider the labor involved in its crafting. Was this piece for personal use, or commissioned, indicative of larger social hierarchies of labor and consumption? Editor: So, less about the wine, more about the making of the funnel itself? Curator: Precisely. The material itself tells a story of extraction, refinement, and the skills required to shape it. Who benefitted from this production process, and who was potentially exploited? These are important questions to consider when viewing seemingly simple objects. Editor: It’s interesting to think about everyday objects as reflections of broader economic realities. Thanks!