Miniature tankard 1685 - 1686

This miniature tankard was crafted in the early 18th century by George Manjoy. It's diminutive size, merely an inch and a quarter tall, immediately draws the eye. Made of silver, its polished surface plays with light, accentuating the geometric forms and intricate detailing. The body of the tankard is cylindrical, grounded by a banded base. Notice how the embossed tulips create a rhythmic pattern. The handle, a graceful scroll, juxtaposes the straight lines. A flat, circular lid with a raised, stylized flower design tops the tankard, adding another layer of texture. This piece invites us to consider the relationship between scale and function. Its impracticality underscores its status as an object of display, a symbol perhaps, of wealth and refinement. The tankard exists as a testament to the ways in which objects signify more than their immediate use. It embodies cultural and philosophical concepts around material culture and representation.