Cup in the form of a bird
Unknown
17th century · Silver gilt · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Hunting and falconry were central to aristocratic life, and cups in the form of game animals or pets were popular tableware for court banquets and their associated rituals. Sometimes known as Wilkomm cups, their removable heads could be filled with wine or spirits and offered to guests in greeting, who would then finish their contents in one gulp. Banqueting was important in other institutional settings too, making Wilkomm cups essential accoutrements for town, city, and guild officials.
- Artist
- Unknown
- Date
- 17th century
- Medium
- Silver gilt
- Culture
- German
- Department
- European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
- Credit line
- Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
