Tea Infuser

Thomas P. Muir, Tea Infuser, 1992-1993, sterling silver, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Sara Jane Kasperzak, 1997.104A-C, © 1993, Thomas Muir
Copied Thomas P. Muir, Tea Infuser, 1992-1993, sterling silver, 7 582 582 14 in. (19.56.65.6 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Sara Jane Kasperzak, 1997.104A-C, © 1993, Thomas Muir

Artwork Details

Title
Tea Infuser
Date
1992-1993
Dimensions
7 582 582 14 in. (19.56.65.6 cm)
Copyright
© 1993, Thomas Muir
Credit Line
Gift of Sara Jane Kasperzak
Mediums Description
sterling silver
Classifications
Object Number
1997.104A-C

Artwork Description

Tom Muir looks after twenty-four acres of forest in the high grasslands of Ohio and bases many of his designs on the shapes and patterns found in trees. He spends a lot of time in the forest walking and exploring, and often creates new trails to his favorite spots. He combines elements from the natural world in his designs and here, the large ball of the tea infuser resembles a prickly horse chestnut or a thorny burr. Muir emphasizes the relationship he sees between the man-made world and nature by crafting these natural forms in highly polished, smooth silver.