Shaving jug 1736

John Williamson's "Shaving Jug" (1736) is a fine example of American silver craftsmanship from the colonial period. This silver jug, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, features a bulbous body with a wide foot, a gracefully curved handle and a hinged lid. The intricate engraved floral patterns on the jug, along with its elegant form, reflect the Rococo style popular in the 18th century. The jug was likely intended for holding shaving soap or water, a common household item in the colonial era.