Miniature cream jug 1715 - 1735

This miniature cream jug was crafted by David Clayton, a silversmith active in late 17th and early 18th century London. It is wrought from silver, a precious material indicative of the wealth and status of its owner. The jug’s diminutive size and careful construction speak to its function as a luxury item. Notice the hammered surface, a tell-tale sign of hand-raising. The silversmith would have used a hammer to gradually coax the metal into its curvaceous form. The handle, cast separately and soldered on, has a satisfying scroll at its apex, demonstrating a masterful control of the material. In an era defined by expanding global trade, objects like this reflect the culture of commerce and consumption. While small in scale, the jug embodies the considerable labor and skill required to transform raw materials into refined goods, blurring the boundaries between utility, artistry, and social display.