Tankard
CultureEnglish
Date1722
MediumEarthenware with lead glaze (delftware)
DimensionsOverall: 7 5/8 inches (19.37 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Burnap
Object number41-23/189
On View
On viewGallery Location
- 112
Collections
Gallery LabelThe large size of this tankard suggests that it was a communal vessel. The decoration commemorates Queen Anne (reign 1702-14) and the initials below the portrait may be those of the original owner.
Both practical and playful, British drinking vessels came in many forms and sizes. Fermented beverages such as wine and ale provided a safe alternative to the often unsafe water supplies of 17th- and 18th-century towns. Ale was served at all meals and consumed by all strata and ages of society in mugs or drunk convivially in a large tankard, such as the delftware example in this case. Also popular, wine from France, Spain, Portugal and Italy was stored in casks and decanted into bottles for serving. Cleverly crafted fuddling cups and puzzle cups added amusement and skill to the drinking experience.
Both practical and playful, British drinking vessels came in many forms and sizes. Fermented beverages such as wine and ale provided a safe alternative to the often unsafe water supplies of 17th- and 18th-century towns. Ale was served at all meals and consumed by all strata and ages of society in mugs or drunk convivially in a large tankard, such as the delftware example in this case. Also popular, wine from France, Spain, Portugal and Italy was stored in casks and decanted into bottles for serving. Cleverly crafted fuddling cups and puzzle cups added amusement and skill to the drinking experience.
Mr. Frank P. (1861-1957) and Mrs. Harriet C. (1866-1947) Burnap, Kansas City, MO by 1941;
Their gift to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 1941.
Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information,
is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete.
Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a
particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum.
If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image,
please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.
