Pewter Honey Jar c. 1937

Dana Bartlett created this pewter honey jar, though the exact date is unknown. Pewter is an alloy, mainly tin, and was a popular material for domestic objects due to its malleability and relatively low cost. The jar's material influences its appearance in several ways. Pewter has a soft, muted sheen, giving the jar a subtle elegance, while its weight lends it a feeling of substance. The techniques used in its creation also add to its character. Casting would have formed the basic shape, and then a craftsman would have used hand-tools to refine the details such as the decorative, rope-like band around the lid and the ornate handle. This kind of object speaks to a time when even everyday items were made with careful attention to design and craftsmanship. Appreciating the artistry and labor involved challenges our modern separation of "art" from "craft."