DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6656#0023
V.
Nautilus Shell, mounted as a Drinking Cup.
Height 13 in. Breadth r*2 in.
On the coast of Syria, and elsewhere in the East, nautilus, and other similarly formed shells were
formerly, and may be still, in common use as drinking vessels. Many specimens of these primitive cups
were brought to Europe by returning crusaders as objects of curiosity, or from some religious sentiment,
or association, and afterwards preserved with almost reverential care among the family treasures of their
descendants. At a later period many of these were again applied to their original destination, and mounted
in the most costly manner, and in the most singular forms; perhaps, more as articles of display than of
use. The collection contains upwards of one hundred specimens; most of which have been in the possession
of the House of Saxony from a very early period. The present example is one of the most interesting
among them, and is much admired by connoisseurs for the simple beauty of its form, and the excellence
of its workmanship.
The shell is borne upon the shoulders of the sitting figure of a satyr, and upheld by its outstretched
arms. A panther, which serves as a handle, surmounts the cup, the lip or mouth of which is formed by
a grotesque mask of a silvan divinity, surrounded by elegantly designed foliage. This beautiful mounting
is richly gilt, and is marked with the monogram "B. Q." and a small lion.
Nautilus Shell, mounted as a Drinking Cup.
Height 13 in. Breadth r*2 in.
On the coast of Syria, and elsewhere in the East, nautilus, and other similarly formed shells were
formerly, and may be still, in common use as drinking vessels. Many specimens of these primitive cups
were brought to Europe by returning crusaders as objects of curiosity, or from some religious sentiment,
or association, and afterwards preserved with almost reverential care among the family treasures of their
descendants. At a later period many of these were again applied to their original destination, and mounted
in the most costly manner, and in the most singular forms; perhaps, more as articles of display than of
use. The collection contains upwards of one hundred specimens; most of which have been in the possession
of the House of Saxony from a very early period. The present example is one of the most interesting
among them, and is much admired by connoisseurs for the simple beauty of its form, and the excellence
of its workmanship.
The shell is borne upon the shoulders of the sitting figure of a satyr, and upheld by its outstretched
arms. A panther, which serves as a handle, surmounts the cup, the lip or mouth of which is formed by
a grotesque mask of a silvan divinity, surrounded by elegantly designed foliage. This beautiful mounting
is richly gilt, and is marked with the monogram "B. Q." and a small lion.