Double Cup
ca. 1450
Pomp and Circumstance: Sumptuous Sideboards Court festivities have always served to demonstrate a host’s status and wealth to the admitted members of the public. In the 15th century, sideboards set with precious objects were a prominent feature of such occasions: gold, silver, and rock crystal vessels were placed next to griffin’s claws, so-called Natternzungenkredenzen (table decorations set with “adders’ tongues”) or burr-wood cups: all of them materials credited with magical powers to protect from poison.
Pomp and Circumstance: Sumptuous Sideboards Court festivities have always served to demonstrate a host’s status and wealth to the admitted members of the public. In the 15th century, sideboards set with precious objects were a prominent feature of such occasions: gold, silver, and rock crystal vessels were placed next to griffin’s claws, so-called Natternzungenkredenzen (table decorations set with “adders’ tongues”) or burr-wood cups: all of them materials credited with magical powers to protect from poison.
Time:
ca. 1450
Object Name
Vessel; Double Cup
Culture
Venice (?) (cut); Nuremberg (mounting)
Material/technology:
Rock crystal, gilded silver, enamel
Dimensions:
H. 24,5 cm, B. 12,8 cm (über Henkel), D. 8,6 cm (Bauchung)
Fuß: Dm. 9,1 cm
unterer Becher: H. 14,7 cm
oberer Becher: H. 10,8 cm
Stamp / markings
Nürnberger Beschau; R3, Nr.3686; keine Meistermarke, mittlere Wr. Repunze von 1806/07
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Kunstkammer
Invs.
Kunstkammer, 82