Mustard Pot with Birds
1735
Medium
metalwork
Classification
metalwork
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Bequest of Mrs. John Innes Kane
Accession Number
1926-37-163-a,b
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the refined world of 18th-century American domestic life with the *Mustard Pot with Birds*, a delicate example of metalwork crafted in 1735. This yet elegant tableware piece, likely made from silver or a similar alloy, served as a condiment vessel in affluent households. Its title hints at avian motifs—birds being a popular decorative theme in colonial metalwork, symbolizing grace and nature's abundance amid the era's growing artisanal traditions. Dating to the early 1700s, this object reflects the burgeoning craft of American silversmiths, who drew inspiration from British and Euro...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...