mostly-history:Two-handled cup and cover (London, 1677). Made of silver and silver gilt. Dimensi
mostly-history: Two-handled cup and cover (London, 1677). Made of silver and silver gilt. Dimensions are 17.2 x 11.5 cm. These types of cups are often called sleeve cups, because the ornament is incorporated into a pierced and chased hollow tube that slides over the gilded body of the cup. Due to its size and ornament, this cup may been used as a caudle cup. This type of cup was used for a mixture of ale or wine, bread, oatmeal, eggs, sugar and spices, which was given to women after childbirth to help them regain their strength. The scrolling foliage and exotic birds on the outside of the cup were likely based on prints circulating during the 1600s. The reclining female figures capping the handles, and the acanthus bud finial on the lid, are common architectural motifs from the time. -- source link