Price
£680.00This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance
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A mid-eighteenth century parcel-gilt copper cup, a souvenir of Herrengrund, the engraving within the cartouches making reference to the 'magic' of the area and its water. Because of the peculiar geological properties of the region, the local water had a high concentration of copper sulphate. Iron scraps were placed in hollows where the water collected and reacted with the copper sulphate to precipitate copper out of solution. The copper either settled as a sludge or formed a crust over the surface of the iron.
This gave rise to the legend that the water had mysterious, if not magical, properties. Such cups are often engraved with rhymes or adorned with small models of miners at work. These puzzle cups were popular throughout Europe from around 1500 to the middle of the 18th century, after which time popular knowledge of chemistry increased and this type of object inevitably became less attractive.
Hungary, circa 1750.
rim dia 2 7/8th ins x high 2 ins.
Stock number
3179The BADA Standard
- Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
- Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
- Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
- Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
- Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
