Miniature cream jug (part of a set) 1685 - 1715

This miniature cream jug is by David Clayton, and forms part of a set. The jug's form is determined by its smooth, reflective surface and petite scale. The curved body and handle suggest functionality, yet its size renders it almost symbolic. The craftsmanship presents an interplay between utility and artistry. The jug's design references broader semiotic systems of status and domesticity, reflecting the cultural values placed on silver objects during its time. As we engage with this piece, we're invited to consider how such objects communicate not just their immediate use, but also layers of historical meaning. Ultimately, the jug serves as a cultural artifact that destabilizes fixed meanings, prompting us to question how we define value through material objects. It is a study in miniature, reflecting larger cultural and philosophical discourses about wealth, status, and artistic expression.