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
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 adv...
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...