Stirrup cup

Dateca. 1820

MediumPorcelain, soft paste, bone china

DimensionsL: 4 5/8"; H: 3 1/8".

Credit LineGift of Harry H. and Alma Louise Coon

Object number1997-220

DescriptionStirrup cup molded in the shape of a fish's head. The fish is painted light to dark green with pink and green dots and areas of brown on the top. The fins on either side are pinkish and the eyes are pink with red and black. The bottom is left mostly white except for 2 fins that are the same green as the body. The fins and gills are in relief.
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.
ProvenancePurchased by the donor from Art Trading Ltd.