Objects
Mug- drinking, Tankard
Alcohol
Consumption
Weddings
[Taken from catalogue entry]
An English Delft dated blue and white tankard. London or Bristol, dated 1735. Of tapering cylindrical form, inscribed ‘H/HB/1735’ within a wreath cartouche flanked by flower-sprays beneath a wide bank of scroll ornament and above a diaper band.
A tankard is generally a mug-like drinking vessel, sometimes with a hinged cover, generally used, at this time, for drinking beer and ale. Given the good condition of this item, and the inclusion of a set of three initials, indicates that the item is commemorative, perhaps of a marriage or anniversary, and may not have been used as part of the everyday eating and drinking accessories.
English delft is a kind of tin-glazed earthenware, so-called because of its strong connection to Dutch delftware. The earliest known producers in England were immigrants from Antwerp who were fleeing religious persecution by the Spanish in the Low Countries. They first settled in Norwich in 1567.
Whilst styles were initially very similar to that of Dutch delftware, as the English delft industry developed, painting styles, techniques and shapes became increasingly varied to meet an ever-growing market. This versatility is evident in inscribed commemorative wares, such as this pair of wedding plates.
[Note: Although notes state it is a tankard, historical studies of tankards suggest these are usually not earthenware, whereas mug is derived from 'muggen' ware and was originally exclusively for ceramic vessels (See Kent, O. 2015. Pots and Texts: Understanding Pots in Use in J. Allen, N. Alcock and D. Dawson (eds.). West Country Households 1500-1700, 367-399).]
Production
Dates of Production: exact 1735
Consumer
H H
male
Materials
Earthenware
Earthenware- white
Museological Details
Tankard
Crab Tree Farm
D.O.C/33
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