Tureen

About this artwork

This exuberant tureen exemplifies the highly imaginative and technically advanced hollowware that made Gorham one of the leading silver manufacturers in the 19th century. In 1869 the firm was the first major American silver company to introduce Japanese-inspired designs into their product line, ahead of competitors like Tiffany and Company. This vessel features aquatic motifs, likely drawn from Japanese prints: giant carp and a turtle, articulated in deep relief, thrash in violent waters, while ...

Art Historical Context

This elegant silver tureen, crafted by the Gorham Manufacturing Company in 1883, exemplifies the refined artistry of American decorative silverware during the late nineteenth century. Measuring just over nine inches in height, the vessel was designed for serving soups or stews at the dining table, blending practical function with ornamental beauty. As a product of one of America’s leading silver producers, it reflects the era’s growing industrial capabilities in metalwork, where skilled artisans could create durable yet intricate pieces for both domestic and public use. Gorham’s work in this period highlights the importance of silver as a material of status and sophistication in American households. The company’s output often combined traditional silversmithing techniques with emerging manufacturing methods, allowing such objects to reach a wider audience while maintaining high standards of craftsmanship. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago’s Arts of the Americas collection, this tureen offers visitors a glimpse into the cultural role of tableware as both everyday utility and artistic expression. Its compact yet balanced proportions demonstrate thoughtful design suited to formal dining rituals of the time.