Porringer
1700–1730
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
Overall: 1 15/16 x 7 5/8 in. (4.9 x 19.4 cm); 9 oz. 3 dwt. (285.1 g) Lip: Diam. 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm) Body: Diam. 5 1/16 in. (12.9 cm)
Classification
Porringer
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1913
Accession Number
13.41.96
Art Historical Context
This elegant silver porringer by Samuel Vernon, created between 1700 and 1730, offers a glimpse into early American domestic life. Measuring roughly 2 inches high with a diameter of about 5 inches and weighing over 9 ounces, the vessel reflects the careful craftsmanship of colonial silversmiths. Its shallow, round form with a single handle was designed for practical use at the table, while the lustrous silver surface added a touch of refinement to everyday meals. In the context of 18th-century America, objects like this porringer were both functional household items and markers of status. Sil...