Trekpot, achtkantig

About this artwork

alloy mark

Art Historical Context

### Trekpot, Achtkantig (1854) This delicate octagonal silver *trekpot*, crafted in 1854 by the esteemed silversmiths Firma As. Bonebak en Zoon, exemplifies refined artistry of mid-19th-century Dutch metalwork. Measuring just 9.2 cm high, 18.5 cm wide, and 9.5 cm deep at a modest 298 grams, this lidded pot—likely used for spices, sugar, or small confections—features the geometric elegance of its eight-sided form, a popular motif in the period's neoclassical revival styles. The subtle alloy mark underscores its authenticity, guaranteeing a high standard of silver purity as required by Dutch guild regulations. Bonebakker en Zoon, a family-run firm renowned since the late 18th century, specialized in luxurious tableware for affluent households, blending functionality with sophisticated design. Their pieces often showcased meticulous chasing, engraving, and seaming techniques, reflecting the era's industrial precision alongside traditional handcraftsmanship. This *trekpot* captures the cultural shift toward ornate domestic silver during the Dutch Golden Age's lingering influence amid growing bourgeois prosperity. A charming survivor of everyday opulence, it invites visitors to appreciate how such objects elevated the ritual of tea or dining, preserving both aesthetic beauty and historical craftsmanship in a compact form.