Watering Can

The rich surface and beautifully balanced design elevate this copper watering can above its utilitarian function. Tapering from the top, the sides seem to bulge closer to the bottom, as if the pressure from the contents had reshaped the form. The strong handles with ornamental rivets and the carefully angled spout further attest to Stone’s masterful sense of line and proportion. Similar rivets were used in traditional colonial construction. Here they are purely decorative and do not penetrate the vessel’s body. This design is closely related to a miniature silver watering can advertised by J. P. Howard & Company, which Stone likely designed and produced during his partnership with the firm.

This text has been adapted from "Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000," edited by Jeannine Falino and Gerald W.R. Ward, published in 2008 by the MFA. Complete references can be found in that publication.