Mug 1825 - 1850

This silver mug was crafted by Jones, Low, and Ball in the 19th century. Notice the mug's elegant form, a study in contrasts between the bulbous body and the smooth, reflective surface of the silver. The play of light across the metal creates a dynamic visual experience. The mug's structure can be seen as a signifier of social status, as it elevates the simple act of drinking to a display of refinement and taste. The circular lip and base, joined by the graceful curve of the handle, articulate a visual language of containment and control. This formalism evokes a broader engagement with structuralist and semiotic theories about power and representation. As you consider the mug, reflect on how even the most functional objects can embody complex cultural meanings. Art does not have a singular, unchanging meaning but is a site of ongoing interpretation.