Stirrup cup

Dateca. 1785

MediumEarthenware, lead-glazed, refined, creamware

DimensionsOL: 5 3/4"; OH: 3 1/4"

Credit LineGift of Harry H. and Alma Louise Coon

Object number1997-190

DescriptionStirrup cup press molded in the form of a fox's head with separately molded ears and the fur on its neck and ears in relief. The cup is decorated in a mottled brown colored glaze, possibly painted since the eyes are left comparatively clean. The opening of the cup is edged by a plain rib. The fox is portrayed with its mouth slightly open, with teeth and tongue slightly visible.
Label TextStirrup cups are an English adaptation of the ancient Rhyton, a pottery cup in the form of a head that was used in Greece, Italy, and Asia Minor. Stirrup cups were usually in the shape of the head of a fox or hound, but they are also found in the form of hares, stags, cocks, bears, trout, and other dogs. These cups were traditionally used for toasts to the hunt when the mounted riders were about to depart and were held inverted while in use, therefore not requiring a handle or foot. Earthenware stirrup cups were made in Staffordshire after ca. 1765 and porcelain cups after 1770.