chocolate cup

Object NameTwo-handled Cup and Cover

Manufacturer Meissen

Made FromPorcelain, Enamel, Gilding

Dateabout 1725-1728

TechniqueEnameled, gilded

SizeOverall H: 10.5 cm, W: 10.6 cm, D: 8.2 cm

Accession Number2017.3.7 C

Curatorial Area(s)

Early Modern

Interpretive Notes

Web Text

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.

Place Made

Germany, Saxony

Physical DescriptionTwo-handled Cup and Cover. Porcelain, enamel, gilding. (a) Elongated cup with slightly flared rim and scallop-shaped, gilded handles on either side. 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. The cartouches contain "Kauffahrte" scenes, depicting imaginary views of harbors with merchants engaged in negotiation. (b) Matching porcelain cover surmounted by a gilded ball finial. Three smaller cartouches on the top echo the larger cartouches on the cup (a).
Provenance

Provenance Remark

Provenance information not currently available online. Please check back in the coming weeks.