Straw

Unknown

ca. 1230–50 · Silver, partly gilt; niello, jewels · The Cloisters

This straw is one of an ensemble containing some of the elements needed for the celebration of the Eucharist: the paten for the bread (acc. no. 47.101.27), the chalice to hold the wine (acc. no. 47.101.26), and, exceptionally, a straw to sip the wine. Straws such as this rare example were used to prevent spilling even a drop of the consecrated wine. The representation of Saint Trudpert on the paten indicates that the ensemble was made for the monastery dedicated to him near Freiburg im Breisgau, where he was martyred.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1230–50

Medium

Silver, partly gilt; niello, jewels

Culture

German

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 1947