Mug 1780 - 1820

This mug was crafted from silver by an artist with the initials M.H.. Notice how the material, with its inherent sheen and weight, speaks to a certain status and value. Consider the process: the silver would have been mined, smelted, and then worked by hand, likely using techniques like hammering, soldering, and polishing. Each of those horizontal lines too would have been carved in by hand. The silversmith's skill is evident in the mug's smooth surfaces and precise form. Silverware like this speaks to a culture of refinement and display, tied to social rituals and hierarchies. By focusing on the material and making, we can appreciate how this simple object transcends its function, reflecting broader issues of labor, class, and consumption. It challenges our assumptions about art and craft, revealing the artistry embedded in everyday objects.