Tankard
Date1725-1750
MediumGray salt-glazed stoneware
DimensionsOverall: 5 3/4 x 4 1/4 x 5 11/16in. (14.6 x 10.8 x 14.4cm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1972-444
DescriptionCylindrical tankard with relief molded bands encircling below lip and around base, 2 at each end painted blue; checkered design with alternating blue squares encircling the center; molded, applied medallion with "GR" in blue on side opposite reeded loop handle; flat base.Label TextWith Queen Anne’s death and King George I’s assumption of the monarchy, a flood of “GR” mugs, tankards, and jugs that persisted into the third quarter of the eighteenth century was produced by Westerwald potters. Surviving examples bear witness to a seemingly endless variety of incised ornamentation, and it is difficult to find duplicated designs beyond the basic checkerboard motif used on many vessels. The succession of three identically named kings of Great Britain who ruled from 1714 until the early nineteenth century makes dating these “GR” wares difficult. Still, some stylistic characteristics are useful. Although tankards, mugs, and jugs retained similar attributes during much of the eighteenth century, the use of manganese in conjunction with cobalt declined markedly after 1740. Earlier wares generally feature cordons, or reeds, of varied thickness and placement while later vessels more often have finely combed or rilled patterns around their necks. Unfortunately, neatness of execution of incised decoration and molded badges is not a reliable indicator of date; this is especially true with regard to tankards, which, as a whole, seem to be less carefully ornamented than mugs and jugs.Inscription(s)"GR" on the applied medallion.Mark(s)NoneProvenancePurchsed from Pembroke Antiques, Hampton, VA
