Hot chocolate was an expensive luxury. It was usually served in a lidded cup to keep it warm, along with a glass of water and small pastries called sweetmeats.
Physical DescriptionChocolate Set. The silver tray is fashioned in the shape of a vine-leaf and stands on three small feet; it has a raised rim and relief decoration in the form of leaf “veins” leading toward a long, winding stem that serves as a handle. The sockets containing the beaker and glass are decorated with a jour work in the form of engraved rococo ornament. The sweetmeat bowl has an oval, shell-like form and rises from the tray on a tall stem composed of foliate branches. The cup is of elongated form, typical of vessels associated with the consumption of chocolate, with a slightly flared rim, scallop-shaped, gilded handles on either side, and a cover surmounted by a gilded ball finial. Running around the inside of the rim is a gilded strapwork border. The outside of the cup is decorated with two quatrefoil cartouches, delineated by so-called “Laub-und-Bandelwerk” in iron-red, purple and gold, which are echoed in three smaller cartouches on the cover. The cartouches contain “Kauffahrte” scenes, depicting imaginary views of harbors with merchants engaged in negotiation. The engraved glass beaker stands on a raised foot, which flares towards the base. The body, which flares outwards towards the rim, is decorated with elaborate strapwork and foliate designs, featuring, on one side, a gallant figure standing between two urns under a baldachin, and a profile bust beneath a crown on the other. Provenance
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