Stirrup cup

Dateca. 1790

MediumEarthenware, lead-glazed, refined, creamware

DimensionsOL: 5 1/8"; H(W/ears): 3 7/8"

Credit LineGift of Harry H. and Alma Louise Coon

Object number1997-193

DescriptionStirrup cup press molded in the shape of a fox's head with separately molded ears. Proper left ear is positioned slightly more forward than the right ear. The head is painted orange and brown in underglaze with brownish ears and white face, with the fur in relief. The opening is bordered with a ridged band painted in blue.
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.