This cakeplate is a fine example of an arts and crafts style object whick looks handmade, although machines were used in its making. For example, the body of the plate was produced on a power-driven spinning lathe, not raised by hand. The hammer marks on the teapot were added later to give the vessel a handmade look. The handmade character of the cakeplate is enhanced through the use of engraving which looks like medieval ironwork complete with engraved "nails."

Adapted from

• Charles L. Venable, Silver in America, 1840-1940: A Century of Splendor (Dallas, Texas: Dallas Museum of Art; New York, New York; Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1994), 143.

• Charles L. Venable, DMA label copy, 1993.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
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