Mug 1685 - 1699

This silver mug was created by George Garthorne in the late 17th century. Notice the circular motif with swirling foliate designs. Such ornamentation is not merely decorative; it speaks to a deep-seated human impulse to adorn functional objects with symbols of life and vitality. These swirling patterns echo similar motifs found in ancient Minoan pottery, where spirals symbolized the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. We see this recurring in Renaissance art, where the "horror vacui"—the fear of empty space—drove artists to fill every corner with intricate designs. Over time, the stylized foliage has morphed from sacred symbol to ornamental flourish, yet it retains a subconscious link to the life force it once represented. The mug, in its essence, becomes more than just a drinking vessel. It’s a testament to how symbols evolve, are passed down, and resurface, carrying echoes of past beliefs into the present day.