Monteith 1706 - 1707

This silver Monteith was crafted by Robert Cooper around the turn of the 18th century. Note the intricate crests encircling the bowl. These heraldic emblems, often used to signify lineage and nobility, resonate with echoes of ancient Roman triumphs, where shields and symbols paraded to assert power. The form of the bowl itself, with its scalloped edges, also evokes the shapes of classical amphorae used in feasts and celebrations. The symbols take on new meanings in our subconscious as vessels, embodying the flow of history and memory, and their appearance on this drinking bowl merges the past with the present, inviting us to partake in a tradition that transcends time. The crests, once emblems of power, now serve as poignant reminders of a collective past. They evoke a sense of nostalgia and connect us to the emotional weight of history.