Cann

Art Historical Context

This elegant silver cann, crafted around 1785 by American silversmith Stephen Emery exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of early Federal-era metalwork. Standing just under six inches tall and weighing nearly fourteen ounces, the vessel features a classic cylindrical form with a flared lip and sturdy base—ideal for serving beverages in colonial and post-Revolutionary households. Its modest yet balanced proportions reflect the practical elegance prized in American silver of the period. Silver objects like this cann held significant cultural value as markers of status and hospitality. In the late eighteenth century, such pieces were often commissioned for domestic use or as gifts, showcasing the owner’s taste while highlighting the silversmith’s skill in shaping and finishing the metal. Emery’s work belongs to a of American artisans who adapted European techniques to local tastes, creating durable heirlooms that blended utility with understated beauty. Now part of the Metropolitan Museum’s American Wing, this cann entered the collection through the 1924 bequest of Charles Allen Munn. It offers visitors a tangible connection to the material culture of the young United States, where everyday objects carried both social meaning and artistic merit.