Illustrated here is a mug, in date 1790. It is the other end of the century from the simple quaich. It marks the beginning of decadent styles; the overloaded ornament, the want of subtle suggestiveness in the design, showing that the nineteenth century was at hand.
Ornate Scottish silver mug made in 1790 by Joseph Kerr of Edinburgh. Assayed by Assay Master Archibald Ure.
It has an interest as being contemporary with Robert Burns. Tarn O’Shanter was written in this year.
To this year belongs Burke’s Reflections on the French Revolution, which work had a great influence in turning English opinion against the revolutionists. Many replies were published to refute Burke, the most important being the Rights of Man by Thomas Paine.
Source: Chats on Old Silver by Arthur Hayden
