Vodka Cup thumbnail 1
On display
Image of Gallery in South Kensington

Vodka Cup

1751 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Small cups for vodka called 'charki' were highly popular in the 17th and 18th centuries and were made in a variety of shapes. Vodka was enjoyed by all levels of society and it was believed to have health-giving properties. From the early 17th century it was customary for vodka to be served at Russian Imperial banquets. All meals began with bread and vodka.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Engraved silver
Brief description
Vodka cup (charka), silver, engraved, Russia (Moscow), maker's mark unidentified, 1751
Physical description
Small cup with round body on conical foot with deep flared rim and engraved decoration on outside, the lower half bulbous.
Dimensions
  • Foot diameter: 2.70cm
  • Height: 3.60cm
  • Length: 4.70cm
Marks and inscriptions
On base: maker's mark A and reverse R semi obliterated, unidentified; Moscow town mark; date mark for 1751
Gallery label
(Pre-2000)
VODKA-CUP
Silver, chased and repousse with foliage and gadroons.
RUSSIAN; Moscow mark for 1751
M.33-1949
Varley Bequest
Credit line
Varley Bequest
Object history
Acquisition RF: 49/89
Varley Bequest
Summary
Small cups for vodka called 'charki' were highly popular in the 17th and 18th centuries and were made in a variety of shapes. Vodka was enjoyed by all levels of society and it was believed to have health-giving properties. From the early 17th century it was customary for vodka to be served at Russian Imperial banquets. All meals began with bread and vodka.
Collection
Accession number
M.33-1949

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 Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis.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 9, 2004
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest