Porringer

Art Historical Context

This elegant silver porringer, crafted by Samuel Vernon between 1725 and 1735, exemplifies the refined metalwork of colonial America. Measuring just over two inches in height with a broad, shallow bowl and delicate handle, the piece weighs nearly ten troy ounces and was designed for everyday use at the table—typically for serving porridge, soup, or broth. Its clean lines and balanced proportions reflect the practical yet graceful aesthetic favored in early eighteenth-century households. As an object in the Metropolitan Museum’s American Wing, this porringer highlights the growing sophistication of American silversmiths during the colonial period. Silver items like this served both functional and status purposes, signaling prosperity while demonstrating skilled hand-hammering and finishing techniques. The vessel’s survival in excellent condition speaks to the durability of silver and the care with which such heirlooms were preserved across generations. Donated to the museum through the 1933 bequest of Alphonso T. Clearwater, the porringer offers visitors a tangible connection to early American domestic life and the artistry of its makers.