Toy Two-handled Cup 1707 - 1708

Editor: Here we have Thomas Brydon’s "Toy Two-handled Cup," crafted from what appears to be hammered silver. It’s so small and delicate! What can you tell me about the process involved in creating such an object? Curator: This piece speaks volumes about labor. Consider the repetitive hammering required to shape the silver. Was this piece made for a child of wealthy parents, or was it made as a show of Brydon's craft? Editor: I hadn’t thought of it that way. So, its value comes not just from the material, but also from the time and skill invested? Curator: Precisely. And how does the "toy" aspect complicate its function? Is it simply a miniature of adult luxury, or something more? Editor: It’s interesting to consider how material and production elevate a simple cup into something more complex. Thanks!