Mug 1700 - 1725

This silver mug was created by Benjamin Wynkoop around the late 17th to early 18th century. Its cylindrical body, defined by a succession of horizontal bands, immediately draws the eye, creating a sense of structured rhythm. The handle, a simple yet elegant curve, provides a counterpoint to the mug's more rigid form. The choice of silver as a medium is significant. Its reflective surface plays with light, subtly altering the mug's appearance depending on its surroundings. The material's inherent value also adds a layer of meaning. The mug exists as a functional object and a statement of wealth and status. Notice how the form of the mug—its simple geometry and clear lines—speaks to a sense of order and control. Yet, the slight irregularities in the surface, the marks of the craftsman's hand, remind us of the human element involved in its creation. The mug is a vessel, both literally and metaphorically, holding not just liquid but also ideas about society, craftsmanship, and the very nature of value.