Tankard 1715 - 1720

This tankard was made by the Meissen Manufactory, a leading German porcelain factory, sometime after 1710. It gives us a glimpse into the cultural attitudes of the time. At first glance, you might notice the pastoral scene, a common theme that romanticized rural life. Yet, what stories are absent from this idealized image? Who is working the fields? Who doesn’t get to play? Often, these idyllic scenes mask the harsh realities of labor and social inequality. During the 18th century, porcelain was a luxury item, a symbol of wealth and status. So, in some ways this tankard becomes a vessel of power and privilege. Consider how such objects shape our understanding of history, whose stories they tell, and whose they omit. This object invites us to think about what we celebrate, what we consume, and what we leave out.