Covered Cup thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
British Galleries, Room 54

Covered Cup

1736-1737 (hallmarked)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
Covered cups have always been the staple of the goldsmiths' trade, but their design and function has evolved. In the 18th century, as the two-handled cup developed into a ceremonial object, rather than a functional one, the form became fossilised.

Design & Making
The shape of this cup, a simple inverted bell, is typical of cups from the 1720s until as late as the 1780s. The leading London goldsmith, Paul de Lamerie, is most famous for producing silver in the exuberant Rococo style, which became popular in the capital from the 1730s. The technique used here on this cup and cover apparently marked for de Lamerie's fellow Huguenot goldsmith Simon Jouet of decorative mouldings applied to a plain body and lid is characteristic of the earlier and plainer Régence style (which originated in France during the regency, 1715-1723, of Philippe, duc d'Orléans). However, the elaborate cast mouldings reveal how some London goldsmiths were moving away from the simple pierced decoration favoured by earlier generations towards a more ornate style.

Ownership & Use
Covered cups were the ideal grand gift, and a popular choice of prize for sports. In particular, they were presented to and used by male societies, such as colleges or trade and craft associations. It was customary, for example, for a new member of a livery company to receive a gift of inscribed silver. As a result of their status as heirlooms, a disproportionately large number of cups have survived, compared to other categories of silver plate.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Cups
  • Lid
Materials and techniques
Silver, flat-chased, with cast handles and cast applied ornament
Brief description
Silver, London hallmarks for 1736-37, attributed to Simon Jouet
Physical description
Cup and cover, silver, with two handles. The lower portion of the body which is divided by a moulded border, is decorated with vertical bands in relief outlined by scrolls and shell devices, and enclosing floral designs. Each alternate band is united to the upper rim of the circular foot, which is ornamented with an engraved band of floral strapwork. The cover is decorated similarly to the lower portion of the cup and is surmounted by a knop.
Dimensions
  • Estimated height: 25cm
  • Estimated width: 20cm
  • Cup and lid together weight: 2.54kg (approximate)
  • Lid only weight: 630g (approximate)
  • Cup only weight: 1.91kg (approximate)
Style
Marks and inscriptions
  • London hallmarks for 1736-37
  • Attributed to Simon Jouet
Gallery label
British Galleries: As the 18th century progressed, two-handled cups were increasingly made for display and for presentation, rather than for practical use. The elaborate mouldings on the lids and bodies of both cups in this display shows how fashionable goldsmiths of the 1720s and 1730s were moving away from plain forms and decoration towards a more ornamental style.(27/03/2003)
Credit line
Given by Joseph Bond
Object history
Made in London, possibly by Simon Jouet (son of Peter Jouet, goldsmith of St Giles without Cripplegate and apprenticed to John Orchard in 1718 turned over to Thomas Folkingham in 1725. entered his first mark at Goldsmiths' Hall between 1724 and 1727, see Grimwade no.2553)

Part of a collection of English silver bequeathed to the V&A in 1890
Historical context
Simon Jouet worked from 1725 'over against ye Victualing Office Little Tower Hill' but by 1739 had moved to the sign of the White Hart in Foster Lane. He remained in the City of London until 1755 when he moved to Kingsland. He became a member of the Honourable Artillery Company in 1749. The V&A also has a taperstick bearing Simon Jouet's mark and the date letter for 1751/2 (M.108:1-1940).
Subjects depicted
Summary
Object Type
Covered cups have always been the staple of the goldsmiths' trade, but their design and function has evolved. In the 18th century, as the two-handled cup developed into a ceremonial object, rather than a functional one, the form became fossilised.

Design & Making
The shape of this cup, a simple inverted bell, is typical of cups from the 1720s until as late as the 1780s. The leading London goldsmith, Paul de Lamerie, is most famous for producing silver in the exuberant Rococo style, which became popular in the capital from the 1730s. The technique used here on this cup and cover apparently marked for de Lamerie's fellow Huguenot goldsmith Simon Jouet of decorative mouldings applied to a plain body and lid is characteristic of the earlier and plainer Régence style (which originated in France during the regency, 1715-1723, of Philippe, duc d'Orléans). However, the elaborate cast mouldings reveal how some London goldsmiths were moving away from the simple pierced decoration favoured by earlier generations towards a more ornate style.

Ownership & Use
Covered cups were the ideal grand gift, and a popular choice of prize for sports. In particular, they were presented to and used by male societies, such as colleges or trade and craft associations. It was customary, for example, for a new member of a livery company to receive a gift of inscribed silver. As a result of their status as heirlooms, a disproportionately large number of cups have survived, compared to other categories of silver plate.
Collection
Accession number
819:1, 2-1890

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Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
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