Tankard 1581

This tankard was made around 1582 by Richard Brooke, primarily from glazed stoneware and silver. The stoneware body, with its mottled texture, was likely press-molded. Imagine the feel of the cool, dense material in your hand. This was a durable, everyday material, yet transformed here into something precious. The silverwork, on the other hand, is extremely elaborate. Note the figures, masks, and floral motifs. These were achieved through chasing and repoussé, techniques that require immense skill and time. The contrast between the mass-produced ceramic body and the hand-wrought silver is striking. This juxtaposition wasn't just aesthetic; it was social. The stoneware provided a relatively affordable base, while the silver signaled wealth and status. It speaks to a society where even everyday objects could be elevated through craft, blurring the lines between utility and art.