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Tankard
Marked by: IP
English (London)
about 1590–1600, hallmarked 1618–19
Object Place: Europe, London, England
Medium/Technique
Silver, parcel gilt
Dimensions
H. 17.5 cm (6 7/8 in.); W. 22.9 cm (9 in.); Diameter (of foot) 11.3 cm (4 7/16 in.); Weight 556 gm (17 oz 17 dwt)
Credit Line
Theodora Wilbour Fund in memory of Charlotte Beebe Wilbour
Accession Number56.1183
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSilver
DescriptionThe tapered body of the tankard rests on a domed foot that is embossed with strapwork and clusters of fruit against a punched ground. The body is divided into three registers by two applied molded bands that are stamped with ovolo decoration. The central register is engraved with birds resting on swags, foliage, and clusters of fruit. The upper and lower registers are engraved with strapwork and foliage. The domed cover has an embossed design similar to that on the foot. The flange is stamped with egg-and-dart decoration, and the baluster finial rests on a rayed disk on a patterned rim. On each side of the thumbpiece is a mask in a cartouche. The S-shaped handle is engraved along the spine with foliage and at the terminus with a cross-hatched pattern. The sides of the vessel and the underside of the handle are white; all other areas are gilt. The foot of the tankard is raised and strengthened at the rim with an applied wire. The body and the cover are raised. The applied ribs and the handle are formed. The thumbpiece, finial, and rayed disk are cast. The finial and the rim of the cover have been repaired, and the gilding has been renewed.
ProvenanceSamuel Montagu (Lord Swaythling), sold Christie, Manson & Woods, London, May 6, 1924, lot 98, purchased by Crichton Brothers, London, sold anonymously (William Randolph Hearst) at Sotheby & Co., London, October 9, 1947, lot 152; Christie, Manson & Woods, London, June 30, 1954, lot 160; purchased from Thomas Lumley, Ltd., London for £2,250 [see note 1]. (Accession Date: December 13, 1956)
Notes:
[1] MFA object numbers 56.1183 and 56.1184 were purchased together.
Notes:
[1] MFA object numbers 56.1183 and 56.1184 were purchased together.