English ornamental cup, in decorated sterling silver. s.:XIX.

PART HISTORY: Manual manufacturing.


DESCRIPTION
Measurements: 55 cm x 20 diameter approx. Total weight: 738gr.

Inlaid cup in sterling silver. XIX century.


It is made entirely of silver, and decorated with motifs in relief, scenes of ships and ports, engravings and carvings. It is directly inspired by similar pieces made in the 16th century, in full Mannerism. This is due to the importance of European silverware in this century; In general, German and Central European artisans will create for collector's cabinets exquisite pieces designed to be displayed and not used, the greatest example of virtuosity and ornamental richness of Mannerist silverware. One of the most recognizable types of silverware of this mannerist caliber will be this type of cup, with a cylindrical container with a differentiated cup and a large lid. These are functional or ornamental glasses, depending on the richness and abundance of their decoration. This decorative profusion, which combines all kinds of motifs, is key in Mannerist silverware, and it went so far as to substitute parts of the structure for decorative motifs, as we see here in the shaft, consisting of a vase, and the pommel, with the figure in all the volume of a ship of the time.


The main motif of this design is the embossed crickets, which take the form of oval points and are separated by rods with parallel transverse lines. We see them on the saucer, hood and lid, although they also appear on the foot, although simplified, without laces or pockets. The piece stands on a circular base with a gallon base in relief with marine animals and shells, with two profusely decorated domed steps: crickets at the top and intertwined turnbuckles, with classical flowers and masks down, typical motifs of the Mannerist ornamental background. The shaft, as we have mentioned, takes the form of a balustrade vase adorned with large rib-shaped screwdrivers, topped by scrolls. The container is cylindrical in shape, with a large cup in relief, adorned with embossed hermas, again a typical motif of Mannerist silverware. The upper part, below the mouth, also protrudes outward, although its cricket decoration is simple enough not to overshadow the delicate and painstaking embossing and chipping of the areas along the glass. In it we see engravings of great artistic quality. Between the two posters are classic masks of great ornamental wealth. Finally, the lid is domed, with a curled perimeter and a stepped structure. The pommel is sculptural and represents a ship with unfolded sails.