Mug 1820 - 1830

This silver mug was crafted by John W. Forbes in the early 19th century. Its simple form is decorated with bands and an engraved monogram. The monogram, a combination of letters, is more than mere identification. It's a heraldic device shrunk to fit on a domestic object, a symbol of lineage and personal identity. We find similar symbols of identity and belonging on ancient Roman signet rings, medieval family crests, and even modern-day corporate logos. Across time, humans have sought to mark their place in the world through such devices. The act of personalizing an object, like this mug, taps into deep-seated needs for recognition and remembrance. It speaks to the enduring human desire to leave a mark, to ensure that one’s existence is not forgotten. This mug thus becomes a vessel not only for drink, but for memory itself.