Porringer
1821–ca. 1843
Medium
Pewter
Dimensions
1 3/8 x 6 1/8 x 4 1/8 in. (3.5 x 15.6 x 10.5 cm)
Classification
Porringer
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. J. Insley Blair, in memory of her husband, 1940
Accession Number
40.184.24
Art Historical Context
Welcome to The American Wing, where this delicate **Porringer** by Josiah Danforth (1821–ca. 1843) offers a glimpse into early th-century American domestic life. Crafted from pewter—a durable, affordable alloy of tin primarily used for tableware before widespread silver production—this small vessel measures just 1 3/8 x 6 1/8 x 4 1/8 inches. Porringers like this were everyday essentials, often used for serving porridge, milk, or feeding children, blending utility with subtle elegance. Josiah Danforth, part of a prominent Connecticut family of pewtersmiths, exemplifies the skilled craftsmanshi...