Cup in the form of a shoe
The form of the pointed shoe, or Schnabelschuh, that appears in this embroidered shield (1983.364) Aand 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.
This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
