Pitcher
Tiffany & Co. began retailing and producing silver early in its history, quickly establishing itself as the preeminent silversmithing firm in the United States. Ceramic vessels may have inspired the organic form of this pitcher, which was described in company records as "Pitcher Top thrown over." Between 1878 and 1889, Tiffany offered variations of it in at least three decorative schemes. Under the direction of Edward C. Moore (1827-1891), the silver division at Tiffany & Co. produced a diverse array of exquisitely wrought and highly original silver, which in turn attracted many of the finest craftsmen and designers to the firm. Indeed, Charles Osborne (1847-1920), who is credited with designing this pitcher, left his position as the chief designer at one of Tiffany’s competitors, the Whiting Manufacturing Company, in order to learn from and work with Moore at Tiffany & Co. The silver that resulted from this mentorship and collaboration is among the finest produced during the second half of the nineteenth century.
Artwork Details
- Title: Pitcher
- Maker: Tiffany & Co. (1837–present)
- Designer: Designed by Charles Osborne (1847–1920)
- Date: ca. 1880
- Geography: Made in New York, New York, United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Silver
- Dimensions: 6 × 4 5/8 × 4 1/4 in. (15.2 × 11.7 × 10.8 cm)
- Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of the American Wing Fund and Emma and Jay A. Lewis Gift, 2016
- Object Number: 2016.690
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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