Cream Pot

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts the Americas collection, this delicate *Cream Pot* by Myer Myers exemplifies the refined silversmithing of colonial America. Crafted between 1755 and 1776 from gleaming silver, the petite vessel measures just 10.1 × 10.8 × 6.7 cm, designed as a creamer for serving milk or cream in fashionable tea services. Myers, a master Jewish artisan active in New York, produced work for the colonial elite, blending European influences with American ingenuity. Silver objects like this were more than functional—they were symbols of wealth and hospitality in the mid-18th century. Myers drew from the Rococo style, popular among British and Dutch colonists, often featuring intricate chasing and engraving that highlighted the metal's luster. His pieces, including creamers, reflect the craftsmanship of a silversmith trained in Philadelphia and celebrated for pieces owned by figures like George Washington. This cream pot offers a window into everyday luxury during the Revolutionary era, showcasing Myers' skill in creating enduring heirlooms. As one of America's earliest prominent Jewish artists, his work underscores the diverse contributions to early American decorative arts, inviting us to appreciate the sparkle of history in our hands.