Tankard 1710 - 1720

This Tankard was crafted by John Coney, a silversmith active around the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Its primary visual characteristic is the reflective, smooth surface of the silver, structured into a cylindrical form with horizontal bands that give it a sense of groundedness. The reflective qualities and simple geometry of the tankard, combined with its immaculate craftsmanship, may evoke a sense of purity and precision. The handle, with its ornate detailing, provides a contrast to the otherwise unadorned body, suggesting a tension between functional simplicity and decorative expression. The structural integrity of the piece reflects a broader cultural value placed on order and clarity during the late Baroque period. Consider how the tankard's design may challenge or reinforce established meanings about material wealth and the status of craftsmanship. It invites ongoing interpretation about what constitutes value—be it aesthetic, functional, or social.