• Reading Public Museum
    Open 11a-5p DailyAdmission
  • Neag Planetarium
    Show ScheduleAdmission
  • Arboretum
    Open everyday from sunrise to sunset
Collections Menu

Coffee Pot

Coffee Pot

Manufacturer: Chaudron and Rasch, Philadelphia (American, founded 1809)

Date: c. 1809 - 1812
Medium: sterling silver, bone
Dimensions:
Overall: 11 x 10 5/8 x 6 3/8 in. (27.9 x 27 x 16.2 cm)
Credit Line:Gift, Mr. and Mrs. Frederic A. Roland
Object number: 1946.142.1
A French émigré silversmith, Chaudron came to Philadelphia in 1793, bringing with him a direct transfer of the French neo-classical Empire style.  He continued to work in Philadelphia until 1819, but was in partnership with Rasch for only three years.  Rasch, who came from Bavaria in 1804, advertised his partnership with Chaudron in Philadelphia city directories.  He later moved to New Orleans where he was working by 1820.  The round form of this piece and the cast animalistic serpentine handle is typical of the French taste.  Design books published in Europe promoted the style and contained many drawings of classical vessels and contemporary adaptations.  The interpretation of these designs in Philadelphia often demonstrates a strong relation to archaeological prototypes.  The silver objects produced by the partnership are of the highest quality and are an elegant reflection of the latest fashion of their era.
 
In Collection(s)