Kraantjeskan, bolvormig, naar boven conisch uitlopend met geschulpte rand, met geciseleerde rocailles 1752

This is a Kraantjeskan, made from silver by Dirk Westrik, who lived from 1683 to 1752. This ornate piece reflects the opulence of the Dutch Golden Age, a period defined by its global trade networks, the rise of a powerful merchant class, and the establishment of Dutch colonial power. The Kraantjeskan functioned as a punch bowl and would have been used within elite social circles. These gatherings served to solidify the social status of a privileged class that profited greatly from the labor of enslaved people and the exploitation of foreign lands. Its material, silver, symbolizes wealth and power. Note the Rococo style, with its emphasis on asymmetry and decorative elements. The ornate detailing speaks to the cultural values of the time. This object invites us to consider how luxury items can both reflect and obscure the complex social structures from which they emerge.