Miniature cup 1715 - 1735

This miniature cup was made by David Clayton, sometime before 1719, out of silver. The material itself speaks volumes. Silver wasn't just a precious metal; it was a symbol of wealth and status, hammered and shaped with skill. Look closely, and you can see the marks of the silversmith's tools, a testament to the labour involved in transforming raw material into a refined object. The cup's design, with its delicate handles and neatly fitted lid, reflects a culture of refinement and conspicuous consumption. In a society increasingly defined by trade and commerce, owning such an object was a way of signalling one's position in the social hierarchy. It is interesting to consider the contrast between the intensive labour required to produce this small vessel, and its function as a display of effortless wealth. Ultimately, understanding the materials, making, and social context of this cup allows us to appreciate its significance beyond its aesthetic appeal, challenging the conventional distinctions between fine art and craft.