Tea Spoon

Art Historical Context

Nestled in The American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, delicate tea spoon, crafted by silversmith Henry Farnam 1805, exemplifies refined artistry of early American silverwork. Measuring just 5 3/8 inches (13.7 cm) in length, its modest scale belies the precision required in its creation—likely hand-hammered and possibly engraved, hallmarks of Federal-period silversmithing. Bequeathed by Alphonso T.water in 1933, it stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of New York's burgeoning artisan class during the nation's formative years post-Revolution. Silver tea spoons like this one were...