Tankard 1705 - 1722

This silver tankard, crafted by John Coney, speaks volumes about its time. Its gleaming surface reflects the values of prosperity and social standing within early 18th-century Boston. Note the subtle, repeated use of curves and rounded shapes in the handle and lid. These echo forms found in ancient Greek amphorae, vessels prized for their association with feasts and libations. Like the amphorae, this tankard is a symbol of communal gathering, of shared experiences enhanced by drink. Consider, too, how the concept of the vessel transcends cultures. From the humble clay pots of antiquity to the ornate goblets of royal courts, the vessel, in its function, is a universal symbol of containment, and by extension, the secrets, stories, and emotions it holds. Like memory itself, a vessel both preserves and shares its contents. This tankard is more than a drinking vessel. It is a mirror reflecting the values and cultural connections that shape us, a tangible link to the past.