Covered Cup
late 18th century
Classification
ceramics
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Bequest of Mrs. John Innes Kane
Accession Number
1926-22-142-a,b
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the Smithsonian American Art, where our **Covered Cup** from the 18th century invites glimpse into early American craftsmanship. This delicate ceramic piece, part of the Smithsonian Collection and generously bequeathed by Mrs. Johnnes Kane, exemplifies the tableware of the period. Covered cups like this were essential for serving hot beverages such as tea or chocolate, reflecting the growing sophistication of domestic life in post-Revolutionary America. Though the artist's identity remains unknown and research continues, the cup's classification as ceramics highlights the era's advancements in pottery techniques. Late 18th-century potters often drew from European traditions like creamware or pearlware, adapting them with local clays to create durable, elegant forms. These vessels weren't just functional—they symbolized hospitality and social status in households across the young nation. As curators delve deeper into its story, this cup sparks curiosity about untold makers and forgotten workshops. Visit in person to ponder its subtle curves and imagine it gracing a colonial sideboard, a quiet testament to everyday artistry.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...