Tankard 1735 - 1745

This silver tankard, created by Jonathan Clarke between 1735 and 1745, is an excellent example of 18th-century English silversmithing. The tankard, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exhibits a simple yet elegant design with a hinged lid and a gracefully curved handle, demonstrating the craftsmanship and attention to detail characteristic of the period. This type of vessel, primarily used for drinking ale or beer, was a common household object in 18th-century England, reflecting the popularity of these beverages at the time.