Miniature urn with cover 1775 - 1785

This miniature urn with cover was made by A. L. & W. L. sometime between 1725 and 1825, and it is made of silver. Silver is a precious material, of course, and the making of an object like this one involved a great deal of skilled labor. To start with, the metal had to be mined, refined and transported. Then, a silversmith would have taken over, using techniques like hammering, casting, and chasing to create the urn’s elegant form. The surface is highly polished to give it that sheen. Think about the labor involved here; this wasn't just about shaping a material, it was about demonstrating status. Silver objects like this were luxury goods, symbols of wealth and taste, and miniature versions like this were often used for display or as toys for wealthy children. The value lies not just in the material, but in the time and skill required to transform it. So, next time you see a silver object, remember that it represents a whole chain of production and consumption, reflecting social class and hierarchies.