Cup

Art Historical Context

This elegant 19th-century cup crafted from plated base metal, exemplifies artistry of Islamic metalworking traditions. Standing at 4 3/8 inches high, 6 inches wide, and 2 3/4 inches deep, its modest scale suggests it was designed for practical daily use—perhaps for serving beverages during social gatherings or rituals. The plating technique, which mimics the luster of silver or gold on a more affordable base metal, made such refined objects accessible beyond elite circles, reflecting the ingenuity of artisans in reproducing luxury aesthetics. Classified as a reproduction within the Metropolit...