Tankard 1700 - 1715

This tankard was crafted in Germany by M. Schmid, sometime between 1650 and 1750, using faience, enamel, and gilt silver. The cylindrical form of the tankard is softened by its pastoral scene, a staged hunt punctuated by gilded accents that draw the eye. The painted scene wraps around the faience, depicting figures in pursuit of deer within a wooded landscape. The composition utilizes a continuous narrative, showing both the hunters and their prey caught in a dynamic interplay across the surface. The palette is muted, dominated by greens and browns, with the occasional flash of red on a hunter's coat. The gilded silver, which adorns the base, lid, and handle, punctuates this reserve with luxury. The use of gilding can be interpreted as a symbolic marker, elevating the hunt narrative from a common scene to an emblem of status and wealth. This contrast between the pastoral and precious material adds complexity, layering social commentary onto an otherwise decorative object.