Beaker 1770 - 1790

This silver beaker was crafted by Myer Myers, a prominent silversmith in colonial America. At first glance, its simple, cylindrical shape may seem unremarkable, yet it embodies a rich lineage of symbolic meaning. The vessel, in its essence, has been a universal symbol of sustenance and community across cultures. Think of the ancient Greek kylix used in symposia, or the medieval chalice representing the Holy Grail. These are all containers, but also symbols of ritual and gathering. The beaker’s circular form, both at its lip and base, echoes the cyclical nature of life itself, mirroring celestial bodies and the eternal return. This shape, so elemental, taps into our collective unconscious, stirring primal associations of warmth, enclosure, and continuity. Even in its unadorned state, this beaker resonates with a powerful, understated elegance, quietly speaking to the enduring human need for connection and ritual. Its simplicity allows us to project onto it our own memories and desires, linking us to a timeless narrative of human experience.