Cann

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of colonial American silver with *Cann*, a exquisite vessel crafted by Boston silversmith Samuel Min around 1765. just over 5 inches tall with a weight of nearly 14 ounces this silver piece features a graceful profile: a 3 3/16-inch diameter and a slightly wider 3 7/16-inch foot for stability. Its compact, cylindrical form suggests it served as a drinking can or small tankard, perfect for serving beverages in refined households. In the mid-18th century, objects like this were symbols of wealth and sophistication in pre-Revolutionary America. Minott, a skilled artisan in Boston's thriving silversmith community, handwrought the piece from precious silver—a labor-intensive process involving hammering, shaping, and polishing to achieve its lustrous finish. Displayed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, *Cann* highlights the craftsmanship of early American decorative arts, blending European influences with local ingenuity. Bequeathed by Alphonso T. Clearwater in 1933, it offers a tangible glimpse into colonial elite life.