Tankard 1680 - 1690

This silver tankard, standing at six and a half inches, was crafted by Katherine Mangy in the late 17th century. The eye is immediately drawn to the thumbpiece, an ornate, leafy form, echoing the ancient Greek anthemion motif. Originally symbolizing dedication and piety, this palmette-derived design evolved to signify regeneration, adorning temples and grave markers alike. Consider its journey: from sacred architecture to a domestic object, this motif persists. In funerary contexts, it embodies hope for rebirth; here, on a drinking vessel, it transforms once more, perhaps a subtle nod to the cyclical nature of life, death, and convivial renewal. Such transformations are not linear, but deeply cyclical. The anthemion reminds us that symbols are never truly still; they resurface, evolve, and adapt, carrying echoes of the past into new contexts.