Handcrafted Holiday Ornaments Inspired by The Met

This holiday season, we’re delighted to introduce three pewter ornaments from the Rhode Island–based studio Beehive Handmade. Established in 1999, Beehive is a collective of American artists who make thoughtfully designed heirlooms in the spirit of the 20th-century American Studio Craft Movement that emerged during World War II. During this period, artisans experimented with and expanded the scope of their crafts, infusing their creations with vision and playfulness.

In keeping with that philosophy of whimsy, our new handcrafted art ornaments reimagines three charming creatures in the Museum’s holdings—an ancient Greek owl, the ancient Egyptian hippopotamus lovingly known as “William®,” and a 19th-century Japanese rabbit—as keepsakes of pewter, a historic material found throughout The Met collection.

An alloy of mostly tin with small amounts of copper, lead, and antimony, pewter has long been utilized for its practicality and admired for its attractive luster. It has a long history of use, particularly in colonial America, where it was imported in vast quantities primarily from England. The brass molds from which pewter objects were cast became valuable heirlooms, and established specific styles of pewter wares that were passed down through the generations. 

As a more affordable alternative to silver, pewter was often used for common household items such as porringers, plates, teapots, and tankards. Several examples of such pieces, minimal but finely crafted, can be found in the American Wing. 

Elsewhere in the Museum, however, are more flamboyant pewter objects that showcase the material’s decorative potential. In the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts galleries is a 17th-century German wig cabinet boasting astounding pewter marquetry. One of the most elaborate examples of its kind, this cabinet housed an essential gentlemen’s accessory; and as the process of dressing one’s wig was a public ritual, such an ostentatious piece brimming with polished pewter was a reflection of the owner’s wealth and status. The Museum’s wig cabinet was crafted by the premier Baroque-era furniture-maker Johann Daniel Sommer II (German, 1643–1698?) for Johann Gottfried von Guttenberg (1654–1698), prince-bishop of Würzburg and duke of Franconia. 

On view in the Medieval Art galleries at The Met Fifth Avenue is a late 15th-century German vessel called a flagon, which bears a remarkable late Gothic braided handle and engraved motifs around the body. Its embellishments, paired with its apparent lack of wear, indicate that this particular pewter flagon was reserved primarily for exhibition or ceremonial use.

Displayed in the European Paintings galleries is a moody banquet scene by Willem Claesz Heda (Dutch, 1594–1680), in which pewter plates serve up culinary delights including oysters and a cone of paper that would have contained exotic spices.

Shop our new Rabbit Netsuke Pewter Ornament, Greek Owl Pewter Ornament, and William Hippo Pewter Ornament in-store and online, where you’ll find our complete selection of art-inspired ornaments. Plus, explore our 2025 Holiday Catalog to stock up on jewelry, accessories, decor, and holiday gifts for everyone on your list. 

To learn more about the history of The Met Store ornament program, check out our blog post.