Tigerware Jug
Hallmarked London, 1659

Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, England witnessed a flourishing of artistic expression, particularly in the realm of silver. In England, sterling silver often served as a form of currency, and a monumental jug of this size would have been crafted for an exceptionally wealthy individual. Two events in English history greatly reduced the quantity of important Elizabethan silver. During the English Civil War (1642-1651), most of the exquisite silver items that once adorned the tables of the wealthy and graced royal courts were melted down either by the Cromwell forces or by Cromwell’s enemies to pay the mercenaries to fight the invader. The second event that destroyed most of the period silver was the great fire of London which took place in 1666. Today, surviving examples of Oliver Cromwell (d. 1658) English silverwork are among the rarest and most sought-after items, each one a museum-quality discovery.

This exceptional silver Tigerware jug in Elizabethan style embodies the rare elegance and meticulous craftsmanship that characterized English silver during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The elaborate ornamentation and intricate designs of the strapwork are displayed in virtuosic form. Pioneered by influential artists like Cornelis Floris and Cornelis Bos, this artistic movement is evident in the jug's neck and cover, adorned with masks, fruit motifs and geometric patterns. The inclusion of the classical egg-and-dart motif on the cover's rim further elevates this object as one of the finest and rarest of its kind.

The jug was created during the tumultuous period following the failure of the Cromwell Protectorate and before the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Charles II re-entered London on May 29, 1660, and was recognized as king. The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths commemorated this event by shifting the annual change of the date letter to May 29. The jug bears an unidentified maker’s mark, HN over a bird, recorded for items from 1656–1664, with the foot and cover marked by the lion passant denoting its manufacture in London and a date letter “B” for 1659–60.

11 1/4“ high by 6” wide 5 1/2“ deep

Provenance:
Robert Llyod Inc., New York
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Red McCombs Collection, Texas
M.S. Rau, New Orleans