Double Mazer Cup thumbnail 1
Double Mazer Cup thumbnail 2
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Silver, Room 69, The Whiteley Galleries

Double Mazer Cup

ca. 1350-1400 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Both the top and bottom of this cup could be used for drinking a toast. It would also have made a glamorous addition to the display of plate on a buffet. Early examples of double mazers were generally made of turned maple wood with silver mounts. Solid silver versions are rare. The miniature form is even rarer and held in one hand was used to drink to the health of an infant.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Mazer
  • Cover (Closure)
Materials and techniques
Silver-gilt
Brief description
Double mazer cup of bulbous form with terraced circular foot below plain gilt cup with pierced trapezoidal handle, Germany, ca. 1350-1400
Physical description
Of bulbous form with terraced circular foot below plain gilt cup with pierced trapezoidal handle supporting cup of similar form. The lid chased with black letter 'M' on matted ground.
Gallery label
  • DOUBLE MAZER Silver-gilt. GERMAN. Unmarked. Second half of 14th century. 1171-1864(Pre-2000)
  • Silver Gallery: Both the top and bottom of this cup could be used for drinking a toast. It would also have made a glamorous addition to the display of plate on a buffet. Early examples of double mazers were generally made of turned maple wood with silver mounts. Solid silver versions are rare. The miniature form is even rarer and held in one hand was used to drink to the health of an infant.(26/11/2002)
Object history
"Parcel gilt double cup" Sotheby's 7th March 1983
Summary
Both the top and bottom of this cup could be used for drinking a toast. It would also have made a glamorous addition to the display of plate on a buffet. Early examples of double mazers were generally made of turned maple wood with silver mounts. Solid silver versions are rare. The miniature form is even rarer and held in one hand was used to drink to the health of an infant.
Collection
Accession number
1171:1, 2-1864

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdFebruary 20, 2004
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest