Mug 1761 - 1793

This pewter mug was crafted by Henry Will in New York, a relic of a time when even the most mundane objects carried echoes of ritual and community. The mug, in its essence, transcends its utilitarian purpose. Its form harkens back to ancient vessels used in libations and communal feasts. Observe the circular form of the mug's base and rim, a motif that resonates with symbols of unity and continuity found in various cultures. Think of the Ouroboros, the snake eating its tail, or the cyclical nature of life itself. The handle, with its elegant curve, invites the grasp, a gesture of connection and sharing. Consider how the act of raising a mug in a toast embodies a collective experience, a binding ritual passed down through generations. This simple object embodies powerful social and psychological bonds, triggering a deep-seated sense of belonging and shared experience.