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Tankard
Marked by: SH
English (London)
1685–86
Object Place: Europe, London, England
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
H. 19.1 cm (7 1/2 in.); W. 23 cm (9 1/16 in.); D. 15.5 cm (6 1/8 in.); Weight 1,040.4 gm (33 oz 9 dwt)
Credit Line
Theodora Wilbour Fund in memory of Charlotte Beebe Wilbour
Accession Number50.2724
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSilver
DescriptionThe circular salver rests on a low trumpet-shaped foot. It has a chased molded rim, and the plain surface is decorated overall with flat-chased chinoiserie figures including men and women in exotic dress, foliage, and birds. Around the outer border are small clouds, behind one of which the sun is visible. In a circle reserved at the center are engraved a coat of arms and crest within mantling. The tankard has a flat base with a simple molded rim, tapering sides, and a flat stepped cover with a broad rim that is shaped on the front edge. The handle is S-shaped and is D-shaped in section. The thumbpiece represents intertwined dolphins. The surface of the tankard is decorated overall with flat-chased chinoiserie figures, exotic birds, and foliage. The salver is formed of a single sheet, with a chased molded border and flat-chased decoration. The raised foot is applied. The body of the tankard is raised from a single sheet, with a thickened and incised rim, and an applied wire molding at the foot. The cover is raised and flat-chased; the hinge and thumbpiece are cast. The handle is formed of two pieces, with an applied shaped terminus.
Marks
On cover of tankard, on body of tankard near handle, and on rim of salver, maker's mark SH conjoined in a circle (Jackson, 1921, p. 139; rev. ed. 1989, p. 137) (repeated on handle of tankard and on rim of salver); leopard's head crowned; lion passant; date letter H
InscriptionsArmorials: Engraved on the tankard and salver, the arms and crest of Hoo, Staffordshire
Inscriptions: Engraved on base of tankard and salver, My Mothers Gift to me Margaret Hoo
Inscriptions: Engraved on base of tankard and salver, My Mothers Gift to me Margaret Hoo
ProvenanceJuly 26, 1950, Mrs. N. d'Arcy, sale, Christie, Manson & Woods, London, lot 21 [Goldsmiths' and Silversmiths' Co., London], sold to the MFA for $2200. (Accession Date: September 18, 1950)