Tankard

Date1689-1694

OriginEurope, Germany, Westerwald, Hohr-Grenzhausen

MediumGray salt-glazed stoneware

DimensionsOverall: 5 15/16 x 4 7/16 x 6in. (15.1 x 11.3 x 15.2cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1953-423

DescriptionCylindrical tankard with slightly contracted mouth; five molded bands wrap the base of the object to the terminal of the loop handle. Five additional molded bands are between the top juncture of the loop handle to approximately an inch below the mouth of the tankard. Opposite the handle and between the molded bands is an applied molded portrait of Queen Mary in octagonal frame with "MARIA D.G. MAG. BRIT. FRANC. ET.HIB. REGINA". Floral sprays extend out like hooks from either side of the portrait medallion.
Label TextEvidence above and below ground for vessels commemorating Queen Mary, such as this tankard, are rare survivals. Most objects celebrate King William and feature bust-length portraits; a few are known with his royal monogram. Mugs, jugs and tankards extensively colored with manganese purple on their bodies, but lacking molded or incised decoration other than the applied badges are common. However, some wares such as this tankard, were enhanced with typical ornamentation and left completely uncolored .

Fragments from the range of vessels commemorating William have been recovered from sites such as the Wilson Farm in Dover, Massachusetts; Swan Cove in Providence, Anne Arundel County, Maryland; and Jamestown, Virginia.

InscribedMARIA D. G. MAG. BRIT. FRANC. ET.HIB. REGINA"
ProvenancePurchased from Avis & Rockwell Gardiner, American Antiques, Stamford, CT

Exhibition(s)