Ladle
c. 1880
Medium
Electroplated silver and ebony
Dimensions
H.: 34.6 cm (13 5/8 in.)
Classification
metalwork
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
121782
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Electroplating, an electrical means to adhere a thin layer of silver to a base metal, was patented by a Birmingham manufactory in 1840. By the late 1800s, the region was home to many firms specializing in this technique. Christopher Dresser viewed electroplating as a means to produce elegant and modern design at reasonable prices for the middle class. This ladle and the tureen it accompanies are based on simple Buddhist metalwares he observed while in Japan in 1876.
About the Artist
Christopher Dresser · 1834–1904
Christopher Dresser (1834–1904) was one of the most innovative and prolific designers of the nineteenth century, widely regarded as a pioneer of industrial design long before that discipline had a name. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, he trained at the Government School of Design in London, where he studied under leading educators committed to improving the quality of British manufactured goods. He wen...