Tumbler 1695 - 1730

This "Tumbler" was created by Benjamin Wynkoop in the early 18th century, crafted from what appears to be solid silver. Its simple, unadorned form invites a contemplation of pure shape and materiality. The tumbler’s curved silhouette, rising from a subtly rounded base to a clean, circular lip, speaks to a minimalist aesthetic long before its formal articulation. The object's smooth, reflective surface emphasizes the inherent qualities of the silver, its cool sheen and tactile presence. This challenges traditional decorative arts where ornamentation often overshadows the material. Here, the absence of embellishment directs our focus to the essence of form. Considered through a structuralist lens, the tumbler represents a reduction to basic elements, a paring down that allows the structure itself to communicate. The object’s function is almost secondary to its existence as a study in form and material integrity. It invites viewers to reconsider value in art, beyond mere utility or decoration, and recognize the inherent beauty in elemental design.