Cup in the form of a shoe

Unknown

late 16th century · Leather, with silver mounts · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The form of the pointed shoe, or Schnabelschuh, that appears in this embroidered shield (1983.364) and leather cup (17.190.608a, b) indicates that both works are associated with the shoemakers’ guild. Its elongated tip mocks a style popular with the nobility of the fifteenth century. The leather cup, called a blackjack, may have been used for toasts of allegiance to the guild, and embroidered shields like this one would have been draped over coffins during funeral processions honoring guild members.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th century

Medium

Leather, with silver mounts

Culture

German

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917