Cup

Object Name:

Cup

Object ID:

1941.007.12

Place of Origin:

Paris, France

Date:

circa 1825

Description:

Wine Taster, a.k.a. Sommelier or Tastevin. Shallow silver cup, fully decorated, with loop handle. Top edge of cup is flat, 1/8" wide. The cup's bottom is high-domed and surrounded by twelve small circles in relief. Asymetrical repousse designs on sides, including circles on one side, and slanted gadrooning on the other side. Owner's initials, " M.J.", in block letters on underside of handle. Two hallmarks found, one on exterior of vessel wall near handle, depicting a right-facing bearded man's profile and a number 1 within a rectangular mark with cut corners (profile of Michelangelo indicating a Paris, France, manufacture, 1819-1838, in a high silver standard of 950/1000), the other on interior of vessel wall, depicting a woman's profile within a circle mark, the woman wearing a beaded necklace and having distinctive hair (Paris, France "guarantee mark" for large object, 1819-1838). Maker's mark on interior of handle loop, undecipherable character within a diamond-shaped mark.

Material:

Metal
Silver

Dimensions:

H-1.6 W-4.3 D-3.375 inches

Provenance:

Donor bought in Paris; hallmarks indicate that the piece was made in Paris between 1819 and 1838.

Credit Line:

Gift of Margaret H. Jewell

People:

Jewell, Margaret H. (1866-1970)

Subjects:

Wine