Ice Cream Plat

Art Historical Context

Crafted by the illustrious American silversmiths Tiffany & Co. in1878, this *Ice Cream Plat* exemplifies the pinnacle of Gilded Age luxury. Measuring just 5¾ inches in diameter, this silver dish was designed for serving individual portions of the era's trendy frozen treat—ice cream, which had surged in popularity among the elite following innovations in refrigeration. Tiffany & Co., founded in 1837 by Lewis Tiffany, had by the 1870s established itself as a preeminent maker of fine silver, blending impeccable craftsmanship with innovative designs that catered to America's burgeoning industrial tycoons. The piece's sterling silver medium underscores its historical significance: silver was a status symbol in post-Civil War America, symbolizing wealth and refinement. Tiffany's workshops employed masterful techniques like chasing and engraving to create pieces that rivaled European imports, helping to elevate American decorative arts on the world stage. Displayed in The American Wing of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this plat highlights how everyday indulgences were transformed into objets d'art. Acquired through a generous anonymous gift in 2023, the *Ice Cream Plat* invites us to savor a slice of 19th-century opulence, reminding visitors of Tiffany's enduring legacy in bridging functionality and fine artistry.

About the Artist

Tiffany & Co. · 1837–present

Tiffany & Co., founded on September 18, 1837, by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young in New York City as a stationery and fancy goods store, quickly evolved into a premier American house for jewelry and decorative arts. Under Charles's leadership, the firm introduced innovations like the sterling silver standard in 1851 and the iconic six-prong Tiffany Setting engagement ring in 1886, establis...