Silver Tankard c. 1937

Hester Duany made this design for a silver tankard, but its precise date is unknown. The intention of the design is to show the material qualities of the metal. Think about the qualities of silver itself: its cool luster, its ability to be shaped and chased. Duany really emphasizes the reflective properties of the metal, using pencil shading to suggest the way light would play across its surface. Note also the details, like the hinged lid and ornate handle, which speak to the silversmith's skill. The design has a clean, almost industrial aesthetic, emphasizing the tankard's functionality. Yet, the hand-rendered quality of the drawing reminds us of the human labor involved in both the design and potential fabrication of such an object. This design exemplifies how careful attention to materials, making, and the context of production can deepen our understanding of objects that blur the lines between art, design, and craft.