Tankard 1680 - 1690

This tankard was crafted in silver by John Coney, a silversmith active in Boston around the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The gleaming surface, shaped into a robust cylinder, immediately catches the eye. Its smooth, reflective plane is only interrupted by subtle, horizontal lines near the base and lip, providing a grounded visual rhythm. Consider the overall composition. The handle forms a bold, arching counterpoint to the tankard’s cylindrical body. The lid, perfectly round, adds a sense of closure and containment. This arrangement speaks to more than mere utility. The tankard’s form is not just about function; it's about the semiotics of status and craftsmanship. The choice of silver signifies wealth and refinement, while the meticulous shaping speaks to the skill of the artisan. Note how the play of light across the surface accentuates the form, turning a simple drinking vessel into an object of considerable aesthetic merit. It encourages us to decode cultural values. The tankard embodies a formal interplay between simple geometry and material richness, revealing how objects can communicate complex ideas about society, skill, and value.