Beschreibung:

A Continental, probably German, enamelled copper 'wager cup' in the manner of designs by Hans Kellner, first half 17th century, modelled as a maiden in period dress, holding a pivoting vessel aloft with both raised arms, enamelled with rinceaux and grotesques overall, circa 22cm high These festive double ended drinking vessels were popular during the late 16th and 17th centuries. They were primarily made in Germany, and specifically Nurnberg, where they originated with the pioneering Jamnitzer family of goldsmiths. Often referred to as 'Jungfrauenbecher' ('maiden's cups') or sometimes 'bridal cups', for bride and groom to drink from at the same time, they are predominantly known as Wager Cups. Guests at parties would be challenged to drink from both ends of the cup without spilling - a tricky endeavour. The present example is very similar to a silver gilt model by Nurnberg goldsmith Hans Kellner, which is in the Pfalzgalerie in Kaiserslautern, Germany. The maiden's attire, with its ruff and cuffs, is typical of the earlier 17th century. A design for a Jungfrauenbecher with similar costume, including the distinctive sleeves, by German goldsmith Paul Flindt is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, who also hold a beautiful example of a wager cup in silver (Acc numbers 37.40.5 (37) and 17.190.579). Flindt's 1593 book of engravings of grotesque ornament for goldsmiths may have influenced the elaborate surface patterns of the design. Though cups in silver have appeared on the market several times, examples in enamel are comparatively unusual and rare