Stirrup cup

Dateca. 1800

MediumEarthenware, lead-glazed, refined, creamware

DimensionsL: 5"; H (w/ears): 3 1/4".

Credit LineGift of Harry H. and Alma Louise Coon

Object number1997-221

DescriptionStirrup cup molded in the shape of a deer's head with separately molded ears and horns. The deer is largely white with purple stripes on the bottom and sides of the face and from the forehead to the nose, including a floral relief on top of its head. The ears are painted purple and red with the area behind the ears dark brown. The nose and outlines of eyes are black with red mouth, nostrils and eyes. The opening of the cup is undecorated at the top and edged with a band of indented rectangles along the bottom.
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.