Editorial Note — Soraya Alcalá
Objects linked to Marilyn Monroe often arrive at auction surrounded by myth, but this piece stands apart: its provenance is clear, and its role in Monroe and Arthur Miller’s domestic life is documented. This sterling silver tazza was not created for display or publicity; it belonged to the private spaces they shared between Manhattan, Roxbury and their rented retreats, during a period marked by intense creative work and constant public scrutiny.
The ‘MMA’ monogram captures that union in a single detail. Its reappearance today, supported by authentication and a traceable history, offers a more grounded perspective on a relationship frequently interpreted through speculation. This object preserves what the public narrative often overlooks: a tangible fragment of their life together.
© Soraya Alcalá · Original Editorial Note
A sterling silver tazza gifted at their 1956 wedding will be auctioned with full provenance
LONDON, UK.
The Marilyn Monroe Wedding Gift Auction highlights a sterling silver tazza originally gifted to Monroe and Miller in 1956.
A personal wedding gift from the celebrated marriage of iconic Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe (1926–1962) to the renowned playwright Arthur Miller (1915-2005) in June 1956, is destined to go under the hammer in London next month. The highly decorative sterling silver tazza (or dish), dates from the 1950’s and bears the engraved intertwined initials ‘MMA,’ a poignant monogram in which the central ‘M’ represents the shared surname initial of Monroe and Miller.
Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller were married from 1956-1961. At the time, Monroe had just delivered an acclaimed performance in Bus Stop, while Miller had established himself as a reputable playwright, following the huge success of major works, such as All My Sons (1947), the Pulitzer Prize-winning Death of a Salesman (1949) and The Crucible (1953).
The marriage and their relationship captivated the world, with the press dubbing them: «The Hourglass and the Egghead» due to the contrast between her Hollywood bombshell status and his reputation as a serious literary figure. Their shared domestic life unfolded across a series of meaningful interiors rather than newly acquired homes. They divided their time between a Manhattan penthouse on East 57th Street, where Miller worked on the screenplay for The Misfits and his historic 18th century farmhouse in Roxbury, Connecticut, originally purchased in 1949.
In 1957, the couple formalised their shared connection to this property by signing a mortgage deed together. They also sought privacy in rented retreats such as the Windmill House in Amagansett, a secluded coastal refuge away from public attention. Within these spaces, objects such as this silver tazza would have formed part of the fabric of their daily lives.
Being portable it would have moved between each of these houses at some point. Exquisitely crafted it measures 18.0 cm in diameter, 9.0 cm in height and weighs 252 grams. It is stamped ‘sterling’ and adorned with a raised pattern of roses encircling both its rim and central well, with the engraved initials around its edge. Although not much is known about how it came to be in the UK, it is accompanied by a certificate of authentication when the current owner purchased it at auction in 1997. It will be offered in a two-day no-reserve sale at Elmwood’s titled: A Private Collection of Antique, Vintage and Modern Jewels on May 13 & 14th, 2026 and carries an estimate of £500-£700.
This piece now forms part of the Marilyn Monroe Wedding Gift Auction taking place in London.
About Marilyn Monroe
Born Norma Jeane Mortenson, Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most enduring figures of 20th-century cinema. An actress, comedienne, singer and model, she rose to global fame in the 1950s with performances in Some Like It Hot, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and The Seven Year Itch. Celebrated for her screen presence and cultural impact, she continues to embody the glamour and complexity of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
About Arthur Miller
Arthur Miller was one of the foremost writers of the 20th century, renowned for works including Death of a Salesman, The Crucible, All My Sons and A View from the Bridge. Awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1949, his writing explored themes of morality, responsibility and social tension. He also authored the screenplay for The Misfits, written specifically for Monroe, further intertwining their personal and creative lives.
