Tea and Coffee Set

During the mid-nineteenth century, American architecture, furniture, and the decorative arts were dominated by a series of design revivals which can be best understood as reactions to a world that was rapidly urbanizing and becoming more complicated. Of these new versions of earlier styles, none was more popular than the Rococo Revival with its naturalistic emphasis and its romantic elegance. While exerting virtually no influence on architecture, the energized flourishes of the Rococo Revival style dominated the libraries and parlors of the finest homes in color schemes, fabrics, furniture, and servingware. Silverwork with elaborate and intricate flowers, vines, and leaves “chased” (a hammering technique) into beautiful relief patterns was extremely fashionable and those silversmiths who specialized in such delicate techniques were in high demand. Charles Grosjean and Eli Woodward were two of the most accomplished silversmiths in Boston in the 1850’s and frequently worked on commission for the numerous retailers of luxury goods. In early 1850 they created this marvelous four piece coin silver tea and coffee set for a wealthy client looking for a distinctive service that would complement her horticultural interests. The chased and engraved floral decoration, applied vines, and twig-form handle and spout were expertly rendered by the two master silversmiths, who even cast two whimsical putti seated in a garden environment as the finials.

This handsome set was a gift to the Museum in honor of Trustee Nancy Stewart by her friends. It is a significant and substantial work of art by two of America’s most respected silversmiths and a perfect beginning to our American Silver Collection.