Kiddush (sanctification) cup c. 1900

This Kiddush cup was made anonymously, and we can appreciate it for the way it elevates a common material - silver – to a special status. The cup is formed from sheets of silver, likely raised and shaped by hammering and then soldered together. The surface is simply decorated with etched lines, including the Star of David, a symbol of Judaism. The material itself, silver, has long been associated with value and purity. It’s a metal prized for its malleability, allowing it to be shaped into complex forms. The reflective surface adds to the cup’s precious quality. The making of this cup involves skilled labor. Even with simple tools, the silversmith would need to have trained to create the smooth, symmetrical form. Though we don't know who made this cup, we can imagine them taking pride in their craft, creating an object that would be used for generations. Considering the cup’s beauty, its social context, and the labor that went into its creation reminds us of the rich histories embedded within the objects that surround us.