Miniature mug 1715 - 1735

This miniature mug was made in the late 17th or early 18th century by David Clayton, fashioned from silver. It is a reminder that even the most functional of objects can be elevated through skilled craftsmanship. The creation of this mug involved a range of techniques, from hammering the silver into shape to soldering the handle with its delicate curl. Silver, though a precious material, demands considerable labor to transform it into a finished product. The silversmith would have likely been part of a workshop, operating within a system of specialized labor. The piece speaks volumes about the social context of its creation. While small in scale, this mug embodies a whole world of craft, labor, and the artistry of everyday life. It reminds us to look closely at the materials and processes that shape our world.