Miniature jug 1708 - 1709

This miniature jug was made by George Manjoy, who was born in 1685, out of silver. Small pieces like this were common among silversmiths working in the 17th and 18th centuries as tests of skill and displays of craftsmanship. The jug reflects a time when silver objects were more than functional items; they were symbols of wealth and status. During this period, the intricate design and precious material were indicative of a family’s social standing. The jug also speaks to the hierarchies within artisan workshops. A master silversmith like Manjoy would pass down his skills to apprentices through the creation of such objects. Consider how this small jug reflects the grand narratives of economic power and artistic lineage that shaped early modern society.