The love-bird thumbpiece, featuring two birds joined at their beaks, is a distinctive element in pewter tankard design, particularly prominent during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. This decorative feature adds aesthetic appeal and reflects the craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities of the period.
Historical Context
Pewter was widely used for crafting domestic items, including tankards, during the late 1600s and early 1700s. Artisans often incorporated intricate designs and motifs into their creations, with the love-bird thumbpiece emerging as a popular choice. This design served a functional purpose—providing leverage to open the tankard’s lid—and symbolized themes of love and unity, resonating with the cultural sentiments of the time.
Design and Craftsmanship
The lovebird thumbpiece is characterized by two stylized birds facing each other, their beaks touching, forming a heart-like shape. This motif is typically cast in pewter and attached to the tankard’s lid, allowing the user to easily lift the lid with their thumb. The design showcases the artisan’s skill in metalwork, combining functionality with decorative artistry.
Examples and Significance
An example of a tankard featuring a love-bird thumbpiece is a William & Mary pewter quart domed-lidded straight-sided tankard from circa 1690. This piece includes a swan-neck handle with a boot-heel terminal and a low, narrow single fillet to the drum, exemplifying the design aesthetics of the period. Easy Live Auction
Including such decorative elements reflects the broader trends in decorative arts during this era, where symbolism and intricate designs were integral to everyday objects. The lovebird motif, in particular, may have been chosen to convey sentiments of affection and partnership, aligning with the social and cultural values of the time.
Reflection on Design Principles
The love-bird thumbpiece exemplifies several fundamental design principles:
- Balance: The symmetrical arrangement of the birds creates visual harmony.
- Emphasis: The thumbpiece is a focal point, drawing attention to the tankard’s lid.
- Unity and Variety: While the thumbpiece’s intricate design adds variety, it maintains unity with the tankard’s overall aesthetic.
These principles contribute to the tankard’s appeal, demonstrating how functional objects can also serve as canvases for artistic expression.
Sources
Antique Pewter. (n.d.). Antique pewter stock. Retrieved from https://www.antiquepewter.co.uk/stock.asp?t=all
Bamfords Auctioneers & Valuers. (2024, October 10). An 18th century pewter tankard, hinged cover with orb thumbpiece, three-quarter girdle, skirted. Retrieved from https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/bamfords/catalogue-id-bamfor10978/lot-04b91956-a0cd-46e0-99db-b1f80127e07c
Bishop & Miller Auctioneers Ltd. (2024, June 19). A William & Mary pewter OEWS quart domed-lidded straight-sided tankard, circa 1690. Retrieved from https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/bishopandmiller/catalogue-id-bishop10438/lot-c2a4964c-059e-4489-8479-b17a00da7d79
Bishop & Miller Auctioneers Ltd. (2024, October 30). A William & Mary pewter OEWS quart domed-lidded straight-sided tankard, circa 1690. Retrieved from https://www.easyliveauction.com/catalogue/lot/1e0b468e13d8952a4ded1a94aeaecc5f/0af8d24542e81eb9357e7ef448a6646f/the-oak-interior-lot-53/
Bonhams. (2014, January 21). A rare Charles II flat-lid pewter tankard, circa 1670. Retrieved from https://www.bonhams.com/auction/21727/lot/6/a-rare-charles-ii-flat-lid-pewter-tankard-circa-1670/
Carter’s. (n.d.). Antique pewter beer mugs and tankards – price guide and values. Retrieved from https://www.carters.com.au/index.cfm/index/2928-mugs-and-tankards-pewter/
eBay. (n.d.). Pewter collectable beer tankards for sale. Retrieved from https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/bn_99088188
eBay. (n.d.). Pewter tankard for sale. Retrieved from https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/bn_7114066613
eBay. (n.d.). Pewter tankard with lid products for sale. Retrieved from https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/bn_7024858886
Houlston. (n.d.). A rare Charles II pewter flat-lid tankard, with wriggle-work decoration, circa 1680. Retrieved from https://houlston.uk.com/works-of-art/pewter-metalware/a-rare-charles-ii-pewter-flat-lid-tankard-with-wriggle-work-decoration-circa-1680
The Pewter Society. (n.d.). Pewter for drinking. Retrieved from https://www.pewtersociety.org/about-pewter/pewter-drinking
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