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