Description
ABOUT THE ITEM
DIMENSIONS
H: 30 cm; W: 30 cm; DIAMETER: 20 cm; WEIGHT: 2 kg
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES
COPPER, HANDMADE
PLACE OF ORIGIN
FRANCE
PERIOD
19th CENTURY
CONDITION
NICE AGE-RELATED CONDITION WITH PATINA
WE FOUND THIS COPPER KETTLE IN ONE OF OUR FRENCH BROCANTE SEARCHES
HISTORY
EARLY HISTORY OF COPPER KETTLES
Copper has been used for centuries in the creation of cooking vessels due to its excellent heat-conducting properties. The history of copper kettles can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where metalworkers in various cultures discovered the benefits of using copper for cooking and heating water. The art of shaping and forming copper into functional vessels gradually evolved, and by the medieval period, copper kettles were commonly found in kitchens across Europe and the Middle East.
FRENCH INFLUENCE ON COPPER KETTLES
In France, renowned for its culinary traditions, the use of copper in cookware reached new heights. French artisans excelled in crafting copper pots, pans, and kettles due to their metallurgical expertise. These pieces were not only functional but also considered works of art. The 18th and 19th centuries marked a period of great innovation in copperware craftsmanship, with intricate designs and decorative elements becoming prominent features.
Kettles were crafted with distinct shapes, often featuring wide, rounded bodies with elegantly curved handles and spouts. The kettles were designed to optimize heat distribution, making them ideal for boiling water quickly and efficiently.
As industrialization took hold, copper production techniques improved, allowing for more standardized and cost-effective manufacturing. This period saw the rise of mass-produced copper cookware, making it more accessible to a wider range of households.
