Tankard 1661 - 1662

This tankard was created by Henry Greenway in the late 17th century. Its simple material—likely pewter or silver—belies a complex interplay of form and function. The cylindrical body, slightly tapered, leads the eye upward to a flat lid, creating a sense of contained volume. Consider the handle: its elegant curve contrasts with the straight lines of the body, introducing a dynamic tension. The hammered texture of the metal adds another layer of visual interest, reflecting light in a way that disrupts the purity of the geometric forms. This texture softens the rigid geometry, inviting touch and use. The tankard’s design embodies the structuralist principle of binary oppositions: the contrast between the smooth lid and textured body, the straight lines and curves, the functional object and its aesthetic qualities. It invites us to consider how these elements work together to create meaning, reflecting the values of utility and beauty that defined the era.