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Double Cup

1325–50
On view at The Met Cloisters in Gallery 10
This drinking vessel is cleverly designed so that its lid can be used as a sharing cup. The heraldic arms on the lid—three Jewish hats linked at the center—correspond to those of a Jewish family from Zurich. Circling the lid are the names associated with the Magi who, in Christian belief, paid homage to the baby Jesus. Doctors in fourteenth-century Europe, Christians and Jews alike, suggested giving voice to the names "Caspar, Balthasar, Melchior" to promote good health. Inscribed on a drinking cup, the names serve much like a toast.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Double Cup
  • Date: 1325–50
  • Geography: Made in possibly Prague
  • Culture: German or Bohemian
  • Medium: Silver, gilded silver, and enamel
  • Dimensions: Overall (together): 3 x 4 15/16 x 4 3/16 in. (7.6 x 12.5 x 10.7 cm)
    Bowl only: 2 5/16 x 4 15/16 x 4 3/16 in. (5.8 x 12.5 x 10.7 cm)
    Lid only: 1 7/16 x 3 3/4 in. (3.6 x 9.5 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Silver
  • Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1983
  • Object Number: 1983.125a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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