Mug 1822 - 1840

This pewter mug was crafted by Daniel Curtiss in the 19th century. The mug is a vessel. Throughout the ages, vessels appear in countless forms and contexts, from ancient chalices to humble bowls, serving as potent symbols of containment and nourishment. Consider the Holy Grail, sought after for its power to sustain life, or the cornucopia, overflowing with abundance. In both cases, a vessel is a powerful image, one deeply rooted in our collective psyche. The mug's simple, utilitarian form belies its deep connection to the rituals of daily life. It speaks to our fundamental need for sustenance, both physical and emotional. Even in the modern era, the act of sharing a drink remains a powerful social bond, laden with unspoken meaning. Vessels, in their myriad forms, continue to echo through history, embodying our deepest desires and anxieties. The humble mug is a container for personal and collective memories, a symbol of shared experience that, as we drink from it, brings us together.