The tankard has an inverted thistle-shaped body mounted with a pierced silver-gilt lid, thumbpiece and foot.
It is listed in the 1690 Devonshire Schedule under the heading ‘Lesser China garnish’t with Silver Guilt,’ as: ‘A Turkey colour cann garnish’t bottom and cover open Work with a Boyes head on the cover.’
The 1690 Devonshire Schedule, or Deed of Gift is an inventory recording an immense bequest from Elizabeth, Countess of Devonshire (1619-1689), to her daughter Anne, Countess of Exeter (1649-1703).