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Cup with Cover

R W British
1590–91
Not on view
Principally sourced from the interiors of exotic shells, Indian mother-of-pearl was admired and sought after by Europeans, and imports sold at astronomical prices. Though some vessels worked by Gujarati craftsmen (from Western India) were kept in their original forms, others—such as this one—were carefully dismantled and their mother-of-pearl inlays set in new precious-metal mounts. The extremely delicate gilded silver foot and cover decorated with miniature heraldic roses locate this piece to Elizabethan London.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Cup with Cover
  • Maker: R W (British)
  • Date: 1590–91
  • Culture: British, London
  • Medium: Mother-of-pearl, with gilded silver mounts
  • Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): 7 3/4 x 3 7/8 x 3 7/8 in., 11 oz. 7 dwt. (19.7 x 9.8 x 9.8 cm, 0.354kg)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Silver In Combination
  • Credit Line: Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1968
  • Object Number: 68.141.120a, b
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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