Ladle
1788–1820
Medium
Pewter, wood
Dimensions
H. 12 in. (30.5 cm)
Classification
Ladle
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. J. Insley Blair, in memory of her husband, 1941
Accession Number
41.34.2
Art Historical Context
This elegant ladle, crafted by American pewterer Richard Lee Jr. (also known as Richard Lee) between 1788 and 1820, exemplifies the fine metalwork of the early American Republic. Standing at 12 inches tall, it combines a gleaming pewter bowl with a sturdy wooden handle, a practical pairing that balanced durability, heat resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Pewter, an accessible alloy primarily of tin, was a staple in colonial and Federal-era households, bridging the gap between everyday use and refined craftsmanship before silver dominated elite tables. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's...
About the Artist
Richard Lee Jr.|Richard Lee (American| ) · 1747 |1775 –1823 |1858
1747–1823|1775–ca. 1858