Square Tea Set by James W. Tufts, Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated

This tea set by James Walker Tufts (1835 – 1902) reflects his successful venture in silver plate tableware. Made around 1885 in Boston, this silver-plated set showcases a design influenced by contemporary Japanese ceramic teapots, giving it a surprisingly modern appearance. Silverplate, a process involving the electrolytic bonding of silver particles to base metals, offered a more affordable option compared to pure silver. This affordability led silverplate companies to produce innovative designs, often reflecting the latest trends. In this set, the shape and linear, two-dimensional incised floral decoration exhibits the influence of the Japanese craze of the late 1870s and 1880s, as well as the Eastlake or Reform style imported from England. Impressed on the bottom is the maker's mark: JAMES W. TUFTS / BOSTON / T/ WARRENTED / TRIPLE PLATE / 1900. Despite signs of wear, including plate erosion and minor dents, this tea set remains a remarkable example of late 19th-century design and craftsmanship. It was exhibited at the "American Identities: A New Look" exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum in 2001.