Cover for a Pot

1914

Cover for a Pot, 1914. Firm of Peter Carl Fabergé (Russian, 1846–1920). Copper with brass handles; The Cleveland Museum of Art, The India Early Minshall Collection 1966.511.b As Russia entered the First World War, austerity and economy settled into the fabric of life even among wealthy aristocrats and nobility. Not only were precious materials such as gold, silver, and gemstones hard to procure, but such luxury seemed out of place when so many men were dying at the front. Fabergé contributed to the war effort by making shells, casings, and other munitions out of brass and copper. He also made cookware, such as this small covered soup pot, to be sent to the front lines with provisions tucked inside. However, these simple forms only looked affordable. They were still a luxury only the wealthiest families could afford to send to their sons. This lid is the cover for a copper soup pot that was sent to the front lines filled with provisions during the First World War.