Images(2)

Beaker

Date1601-1602

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsOH: 5 15/16" DIAM(RIM):3 1/2"; DIAM(BASE): 3 1/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1938-26

DescriptionTall, cylindrical beaker, silver with plain everted rim; engraved band of strapwork below rim in three sections enclosing running foliate design with pendent vines between sections in trefoil configuration enclosing flowers and foliate device below center of each section; stamped molding over stamped flanged base with molded edge at base. Traces of gilding on foot. Owner's initials "RC" in block letters engraved on underside of base (unidentified).

Label TextTall beakers, such as this, engraved with interlaced strapwork enclosing scrolled foliage with depending clusters of leaves and flowers, are of Dutch derivation. Beakers were widely used in Holland after the Reformation for both secular and ecclesiastical purposes. Their use in England, however, has always been primarily secular. They are found only occasionally in English churches, mainly in East Anglia, especially in the Norwich area. Likewise, a number of beakers have survived in the churches of northeast Scotland, where strong commercial ties with Holland also existed. Beakers were popular as communion vessels in the Congregational churches of New England and the Dutch Reformed churches of New York.

A similar beaker of 1602/3 from St. Giles Without Cripplegate, London, is also engraved with a foliate midband with addorsed fleur-de-lis at intervals.

InscribedOwner's initials "RG" engraved on underside of base
MarkingsMaker's mark a black letter "b" within a shaped reserve, leopard's head crowned, lion passant, and date letter on underside of base.
ProvenanceSir Samuel Montagu (Lord Swaythling) (sold at Christie, Manson & Woods, London, 1924
purchased by Crichton Bros., London)
William Randolph Hearst (sold by Parish-Watson & Co., New York, 1938)
Acquired by CWF in 1938.