Images(9)

Two-handled covered cup

Date1678-1679

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (Sterling); Gold (Silver-gilt)

DimensionsOH: 7 1/8"; OW: 10 1/2"; ODiam (cover): 6 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1938-30,A&B

DescriptionTwo-handled covered cup; cast finial of a fruit partially enclosed by four applied acanthus leaves with chased veins and matted surfaces soldered to center-top of cover; low-domed circular cover with four acanthus leaves in swirl arrangement on a matted ground chased in center of top, flat projection flange with molded face, and short bezel on underside fitting within rim of body; broad cylindrical body with slightly everted rim, nearly straight sides rounded at bottom, and circular foot composed of a short collar and flange with molded edge; lower section of body chased with alternate acanthus and palm leaves issuing from base; cast opposed volutid S-scroll handles with scroll-tops soldered at rim and to lower section of body. Gilded.

Label TextThe two-handled cup advanced rapidly in size and importance in the late seventeenth century. A cup, such as this, with a broad body with nearly straight sides and substantial scrolled handles, represents an intermediate type between cups of bulbous pear form (such as CWF accessions 1938-32 and 1972-43) and those of more imposing inverted bell form (such as 1942-37,1954-579, and 1954-632). The lower part of the body is high-chased with alternate acanthus and palm leaves, a form of conventionalized decoration especially popular on the bodies of cups and other drinking vessels of the 1670s and 1680s. The swirled acanthus leaves of the cover and the acanthus-wrapped fruit finial are features commonly found on cups of this type.

InscribedContemporary arms of an unmarried lady and patrilinal member of Lucy of Charlecot, Warwickshire, engraved on face of body. Owner's initials " */*E*B*/*" in block letters engraved on underside of base.
MarkingsOn face of body below rim 1) Sponsor's mark "IN" in block letters with a device below within a heart, 2) lion passant, 3) date letter, 4) leopard's head crowned
On face of cover 1) Sponsor's mark "IN" in block letters with a device below within a heart, 2) lion passant, 3) leopard's head crowned, 4) date letter
ProvenanceLord Braye (sold at Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, London, 1920)

H. H. Mulliner (sold at Christie, Manson & Woods, London, 1924; purchased by Permain)

William Randolph Hearst (sold by Parish-Watson & Co., New York, 1938)

Purchased by CWF in 1938.