Cup
1656-1657 (hallmarked)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
The earliest recorded English silver two-handled cup is dated to 1533-1534. By the mid 17th century two-handled cups ranged from the most elaborate ceremonial items to everyday drinking vessels. Modest examples such as this were made in large quantities in the 1650s.
Decoration
The cup is decorated in a variety of techniques that provide a contrast between decorative and burnished surfaces. The matted surfaces, found within the roundels, and the beading at the border were much used at this period, as was punching. The scrolled handles bear caryatids (female figures, often used as columns) a remnant of the English Renaissance style.
The earliest recorded English silver two-handled cup is dated to 1533-1534. By the mid 17th century two-handled cups ranged from the most elaborate ceremonial items to everyday drinking vessels. Modest examples such as this were made in large quantities in the 1650s.
Decoration
The cup is decorated in a variety of techniques that provide a contrast between decorative and burnished surfaces. The matted surfaces, found within the roundels, and the beading at the border were much used at this period, as was punching. The scrolled handles bear caryatids (female figures, often used as columns) a remnant of the English Renaissance style.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver, chased and engraved, with cast handles |
| Brief description | Two-handled cup |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | Maker's mark 'SA' in monogram; an unidentified coat of arms is engraved on the cup |
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
Much silver was melted down to produce coins during the Civil War, but during the Commonwealth many losses were replaced. Lightweight silver was by then more appropriate because it was less costly and thus appealed to Puritan ideals. The heraldry suggests a particular commission or occasion.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Acquired under the Bryan Bequest |
| Summary | Object Type The earliest recorded English silver two-handled cup is dated to 1533-1534. By the mid 17th century two-handled cups ranged from the most elaborate ceremonial items to everyday drinking vessels. Modest examples such as this were made in large quantities in the 1650s. Decoration The cup is decorated in a variety of techniques that provide a contrast between decorative and burnished surfaces. The matted surfaces, found within the roundels, and the beading at the border were much used at this period, as was punching. The scrolled handles bear caryatids (female figures, often used as columns) a remnant of the English Renaissance style. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.376-1924 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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