The Pleasure of Objects: The Ian & Carolina Irving Collection
The Pleasure of Objects: The Ian & Carolina Irving Collection
A Silver-Gilt-Mounted Coconut Cup, Probably German, Early 17th Century
Auction Closed
January 30, 06:14 PM GMT
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
the foot engraved with strapwork, the cast baluster stem leading to the coconut held by three separated bands, the lip engraved with foliage, initials MP and 1654 date and a boy in a tub, apparently unmarked except for an 1809 Prussian tax mark
height 5 3/4 in.; 15 cm
The form and decoration of the current lot bears similarities to coconut cups with London hallmarks of the same period; with the interconnectivity of goldsmiths at the time it is difficult to say whether such cups were made by English goldsmiths copying German forms or made by German goldsmiths working in England. There is also the possibility that such cups were imported from Germany and marked by London retailers.