Ring case
mid-18th century
Classification
Decorative Arts
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1931-86-107
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the enchanting world of 18th-century decorative arts with this delicate **Ring Case**, crafted by an unknown artisan in the mid-1700s. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection this piece reflects the refined craftsmanship of colonial America, a period when everyday objects blended functionality with subtle elegance. Ring cases like this one were cherished personal accessories, designed to safely store and display jewelry—particularly rings—highlighting the era's growing appreciation for intimate luxury items amid expanding trade and fashion influences. As a prime ...
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...