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Object Timeline

1995	We acquired this object.
2002	We photographed this object. We photographed this object. We photographed this object.
2006	We exhibited this object.
2015	We photographed this object.
2024	You found it!

"Assyrian Head" pattern Server

This is a Server. It was manufactured by Meriden Silver Plate Company. It is dated 1885–86 and we acquired it in 1995. Its medium is silver plate. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

It is credited Museum purchase from Decorative Arts Association Acquisition Fund.

A flat server crafted from silver with handle and stem having a trapezoidal turner with three bezelled edges that is slightly tapered toward the farthest edge. At the far end of the stem, is a cat whose stripes appear as twisted metal, peers or squeezes through the opening of the handle with an expression that could be interpreted as either afraid of or scaring the slug that slithers up the stem closing in on the cat.

Server (France), ca. 1890
silver.
Museum purchase from Smithsonian Institution Collections Acquisition Program,....
1996-56-49

An opulent server crafted from silver and elegant engraved gilt swirls with floral patterns that spiral outward from the center with a mother of pearl handle for serving ice cream. The round top possesses a mostly flat surface with a wave shape sharply cut into the upper right side and the top bends slightly backward to possibly create swirls of ice cream as it is dragged. On the bottom right is a small triangular point lifted upward perhaps to keep the ice cream on the server while on the opposite side a small gentle swirl is carved into the server for decoration.

Ice Cream Server (France)
silver, mother-of-pearl, gilding.
Museum purchase from Smithsonian Institution Collections Acquisition Program,....
1996-56-80

Its dimensions are

cm: L: 24.5

Cite this object as

"Assyrian Head" pattern Server; Manufactured by Meriden Silver Plate Company (United States); USA; silver plate; cm: L: 24.5; Museum purchase from Decorative Arts Association Acquisition Fund; 1995-148-8

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Feeding Desire: Design and the Tools of the Table, 1500-2005.

Short URL http://cprhw.tt/o/2DA4B/
Accession Number 1995-148-8
Object ID 18650225