BACK TO LIST
Director’s Choice -The ‘Braggot Cups’ of 17th Century England
An Exciting Group of Three 17th Century Charles II Two-Handled Cage-Work Cups & Covers Circa 1670
This week’s Director’s Choice focuses on a curious group of 17th century Caroline cage-work sleeve cups that appear in England in the 1660’s. These cups are of an incredibly rare form and so few survive today. We are proud to be able to present three of these treasures, all different in their own way but with similarities that would point to the same goldsmith’s workshop. These beautiful cups have a more foreign Germanic feel about them entirely, but why should this be? One should consider that the skilled goldsmith was not the only influence behind this new design in 17th century England. The Royal court, power of the aristocracy, Parliament and gentry together with the economic growth through foreign trade and social changes, all had their part to play on the silver trade and consequently its design. It was these groups of landowners, together with the merchants and tradesman that made up most of the demanding clientele.
This week’s Director’s Choice focuses on a curious group of 17th century Caroline cage-work sleeve cups that appear in England in the 1660’s. These cups are of an incredibly rare form and so few survive today. We are proud to be able to present three of these treasures, all different in their own way but with similarities that would point to the same goldsmith’s workshop. These beautiful cups have a more foreign Germanic feel about them entirely, but why should this be? One should consider that the skilled goldsmith was not the only influence behind this new design in 17th century England. The Royal court, power of the aristocracy, Parliament and gentry together with the economic growth through foreign trade and social changes, all had their part to play on the silver trade and consequently its design. It was these groups of landowners, together with the merchants and tradesman that made up most of the demanding clientele.
