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Covered cup
French (Paris)
about 1390–1420
Medium/Technique
Silver-gilt, with punched (poinconné) decoration and basse-taille enamels
Dimensions
Overall: 15 x 15.2 cm, 490 gm (5 7/8 x 6 in., 17.28 oz.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated anonymously and Frank B. Bemis Fund
Accession Number2006.641
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSilver
This silver-gilt footed cup belongs to a magnificent and rare set of thirteen drinking cups (see acc. nos. 2006.642-653). Used for splendid feasts, drinking cups were some of the most precious items in an aristocratic household. This covered cup is decorated in a poinconné (punched) technique in which the goldsmiths used a variety of punches to create the delicate pattern of flowers and exotic birds.
ProvenanceAbout 1390/1420, probably Amaury d'Orgemont (b. about 1360 - d. 1400) and his wife, Marie de Paillart (b. about 1355 - d. after 1424), France [see note 1]. 19th century until about 2005, private collection, Switzerland. 2005, Alexander Rudigier, Ltd., London; 2005, sold by Rudigier to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 25, 2006)
NOTES:
[1] This covered cup was acquired with twelve silver hanaps, uncovered drinking vessels (MFA accession nos. 2006.642 - 2006.653), of which six bear the arms of Amaury d'Orgemont and Marie de Paillart, members of the court of Valois. It has been suggested that the objects share a provenance, beginning with Amaury d'Orgemont and his wife.
NOTES:
[1] This covered cup was acquired with twelve silver hanaps, uncovered drinking vessels (MFA accession nos. 2006.642 - 2006.653), of which six bear the arms of Amaury d'Orgemont and Marie de Paillart, members of the court of Valois. It has been suggested that the objects share a provenance, beginning with Amaury d'Orgemont and his wife.