Two-handled bowl 1690 - 1710

This silver two-handled bowl was crafted by Jesse Kip in the late 17th or early 18th century. Look closely, and you'll notice an engraving of three initials, perhaps those of the original owner. This is an instance of the emblem, a motif that can be traced back to ancient Greece. Once seen primarily on shields and banners, it was a means of conveying identity and allegiance. In later centuries, emblems were used by families, guilds, and even individuals as marks of personal or corporate identity. Over time, the emblem evolved from mere identification to a display of status and belonging. Here, the initials engraved on the bowl, framed by ornamental flourishes, speak to a deep-seated human need to mark one's place in the world. It is a timeless gesture of identity and legacy. It is a subtle reminder of the enduring human quest for recognition and remembrance.