Tankard 1760 - 1793

This pewter tankard, crafted by English silversmith William Kirby, is a fine example of 18th-century decorative arts. The piece, with its simple yet elegant design, features a hinged lid and a gracefully curved handle. It was created between 1760 and 1793, during the period when pewter, a malleable and affordable metal, was widely used for everyday household items. The tankard, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and practicality of this era.