Creamer

Art Historical Context

This elegant silver creamer, crafted by Dutch silversmith Philippus Priee around 1760–80, exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of colonial America's decorative arts. Measuring just 6 3/8 x 4 15/16 inches and weighing about 8 ounces, it was designed for serving cream in tea or coffee services—essential rituals among the prosperous merchant class. Priee's work reflects Dutch influences in New York silversmithing, where European traditions blended with emerging American tastes during the pre-Revolutionary era. Silver objects like this creamer were status symbols, showcasing the owner's wealth and hospitality. The medium's durability and luster made it ideal for heirloom pieces, often passed down through generations. Priee's piece, now in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing thanks to the 1933 bequest of Alphonso T. Clearwater, highlights the technical prowess of hand-wrought silver: likely featuring chased or engraved details for both functionality and ornamentation. Visitors will appreciate how this modest yet luxurious item bridges Old World heritage and New World innovation, offering a tangible glimpse into 18th-century domestic life.