Next

Table Decoration with “Adder’s Tongues”

ca. 1450

 

 

Table Decoration with “Adder’s Tongues”

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.

Location: Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Kunstkammer Wien Raum XXXV

Object data

Object Name

Tableware

Culture

Nuremberg (?)

Dated

ca. 1450

Material

Gilded silver, shark teeth, citrine

Dimensions

27 cm × 16,3 cm × 15,6 cm

Image rights

Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Kunstkammer

Inv. No.

Kunstkammer, 89

Kunst & Patenschaft

This object is still without a Art Patron. Accept the patronage and make sure that this cultural treasure is preserved for future generations.
Your donation is a direct and sustainable contribution to the scientific documentation, research, restoration, and presentation of the artworks of the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien.

Become an art patron