Tumbler (Toy?) c. 1690

Curator: This object, attributed to Hull, is titled "Tumbler (Toy?)". It's currently part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by its intimate scale and the worn texture. The name "Regina" is inscribed; it has a sentimental feel. Curator: The craftsmanship suggests a deliberate attempt to elevate a mundane object. Consider the labor involved in hammering the silver to achieve that dimpled surface. Editor: I agree. The inscribed name "Regina" takes on a life of its own, becoming a symbol of memory and perhaps a memento of childhood. It evokes a sense of personal history. Curator: Exactly! It's fascinating how a common material is transformed through skilled handiwork, blurring the lines between mass production and bespoke artistry. Editor: It's compelling to imagine how this little cup moved through time, carrying not just liquid but also countless associations. Curator: Indeed, and how our reading of it is also shaped by its materiality. Editor: The journey of that symbolic name across generations has left me pondering. Curator: A simple vessel transformed by craft and sentiment into something truly unique.