Cup with cover

Cup with cover
Artist	Hans van Amsterdam
Year	1533 - 1534
Medium	Silver gilt, coconut shell
Dimensions	10 7/8 × 3 7/8 in. (27.6 × 9.8 cm)
Weight	640 lb, 290 kg
Location	Minneapolis Institute of Art, New York
Owner	The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Website	https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/193595

The Cup with Cover is an object known for the power of the Cup, which is often referred to as the "exotic coconut." According to folklore, these coconuts possess a unique and strong power, as anything placed into these cups becomes neutralized. This mysterious ability has contributed to the Cup with Cover becoming a subject of fascination and intrigue in various cultural narratives.

The writing and symbols seen on the cup are themes from the Old Testament that give the cup power. The three themes are engraved on the cup as is:

• GENESIS: C:19 (Lot and his daughters)
• IVDICVM C:14 (Samson and the Lion)
• 2 Regum Cap II (David and Bathsheba)

The popularity of these cups quickly spread, leading to other artists, such as Albrecht Altdorfer, Hans Brosamer, and Hieronymus Hopfer, creating their designs in a similar style..

Description

Around coconut:

1. GENESIS: C:19 (Lot and his daughters)
2. IVDICVM C:14 (Samson and the Lion)
3. 2 Regum Cap II (David and Bathsheba)

On edge of cover: inscription in Greek Letters: Often in floods of wine a man is wrecked

Below lip: POCVLA SVME / FLVET MELIVS POST POCVLA SERMO (quaff your cups; after cups speech flows more readily)

On rim of foot: MMODIC[us] LAEDIT CEV DIRA CICVTA LVAEVS NON FACIT AD LONGAM CRAPVLA MVLTA DIEM

Translation: wine immoderately drunk is as harmful as the deadly hemlock; frequent surfeit does not for a long life

Struck On foot:

1. Crown on top ('s-Hertogenbosch town mark, beginning 1503/4);
2. (date letter "g", 1533/34);
3. Stylized star flame (maker's mark of Hans van Amsterdam, recorded 1535–65)
4. Engraved under foot: 14 omin Z (weight of piece?)

Example

Coconut cup with Old Testament

The Coconut Cup with Old Testament Scenes is a notable historical artifact that exemplifies the craftsmanship of the late 16th century. Created by Cornelis de Bye in 1598, this piece features scenes from the Old Testament intricately carved onto a coconut sourced from Africa and the East Indies. The coconut is elegantly mounted on a shiny silver base, adding to its overall allure.

One distinguishing feature of this cup is the inscription "Drunkenness is the root of all evil," attributed to Hans Van Amsterdam. The narrative depicted on the cup includes stories such as Lot and his daughters, Samson and the Lion, and David and Bathsheba. These intricate carvings offer a glimpse into the artistry and storytelling of the time.

The Coconut Cup with Old Testament Scenes stands as a testament to the skill and creativity of its maker and serves as a valuable historical and artistic artifact from the late 16th century.

History

The Medieval English Coconut Story, written by Kathleen Kennedy, is a historical account that details the intriguing history of the Coconut Cup in medieval England. The story challenges the belief that coconuts simply appeared in England, sparking curiosity and debate among historians.

According to the narrative, there was an initial notion that the coconuts might have been brought to England by birds, although this theory was later dismissed due to the impracticality of birds carrying such heavy fruit. Subsequently, it was revealed that the people of England were engaged in trade with the people of India, acquiring these remarkable coconut cups through commerce.

The narrative suggests that these coconut cups were a prevalent commodity in England, with almost every household possessing a customized cup tailored to their specific needs. The cups were not only practical but also held significant historical value, representing a fascinating aspect of the medieval period.