Tankard 1674 - 1675

Curator: This is a silver tankard, made by John Ruslen, who lived from 1690 to 1715. What strikes you about it? Editor: Its simplicity is deceptive; the handle is far more ornate than I expected. I imagine the weight of the silver speaks to power. Curator: Silverware like this tankard speaks to the ritualized consumption of beverages, reinforcing class distinctions of the time. Editor: Certainly, the choice of silver and the craftsman's skill underline social hierarchies. I keep thinking about labor and gender too. Who was serving from such a vessel? Curator: Exactly, and what power dynamics were at play during these social rituals? The tankard becomes a silent witness, reflecting the complex relationships within the household. Editor: It’s amazing how a single object can open up such a broad conversation about society. Curator: Indeed, it invites us to examine the hidden narratives of identity and power embedded in everyday objects.