Images(3)

Two-handled cup

Date1697 (dated)

OriginEngland, North Staffordshire

MediumLead-glazed earthenware

DimensionsOH: 5 5/8"; D(with handles): 11"; D(without handles): 9 3/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1968-739

DescriptionLarge two-handled cylindrical cup made of buff clay, possibly with light buff slip coating. Dark brown slip trailing with cream colored dots used for all outlining and borders. Horizontal linear borders for 1 1/2" band under lip inscribed "THE.BEST.IS.NOT.T:TOO.GOOD.FOR.YOV." 2 loop handles opposite one another and midway down wall decorated on exterior with horizontal dark brown slashes or "Stitches." Panels on either side of handles have central tulip flanked by pair of "roses", flanked by a pair of tulips. One side with "R" (central tulip) "F". Other side "16" (rose) "B" (tulip) "B" (rose) "97". Flowers filled in with light brown slip. Overall (but base) yellow lead glaze-slight running of dark slip.
Label TextWith its jewel-like trailed slip, a stylistic feature associated with slipware made in the North Staffordshire region of England, the decoration on this double-handled cup mimics the look of beadwork or tooled leather in the period. Encircling the rim of the vessel is the verse “THE BEST IS NOT TOO GOOD FOR YOU,” a popular saying found on many of the surviving slip trailed cups and, perhaps, commemorating the 1697 marriage of, as of yet, unidentified individuals whose sets of initials “BB” and “RF” flank the central tulips depicted on either side of the object. The large cup was a communal drinking vessel possibly used to serve posset, a beverage made from warm milk curdled with ale or wine and flavored with spices such as nutmeg, ginger, or cinnamon.
Markings"B.B" and "R.F"-perhaps "B" significant in naming of Potter.