Standing cup with cover
late 16th–early 17th century, with later additions
Medium
Silver gilt, coconut
Dimensions
Overall: 14 5/8 × 5 3/4 in. (37.1 × 14.6 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Silver In Combination
Culture
Bohemian, Prague
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.190.626a, b
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
Art Historical Context
This elegant standing cup with cover was crafted in late 16th- or early 17th-century Prague by the Bohemian goldsmith Hans Wendel Pensel (also recorded as Hans Prunner). Created during the height of Rudolfine court culture, when Prague attracted skilled artisans from across Europe, the vessel reflects the era’s fascination with exotic materials and virtuoso metalwork. Its combination of silver gilt and coconut shell places it within a distinguished tradition of “mounting” rare natural objects in precious metals, transforming them into luxurious display pieces for princely cabinets. The coconut, imported from distant tropical regions, was prized for its durability and grain, while the silver-gilt mounts showcase the intricate chasing, engraving, and sculptural details characteristic of Bohemian goldsmiths. Subtle bull motifs among the decorative elements may allude to strength or heraldic symbolism popular at the time. Later additions to the piece hint at its continued appreciation and adaptation across centuries. Generously given to the Metropolitan Museum by J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917, the cup offers visitors a tangible connection to the refined tastes and technical brilliance of Central European courts.
About the Artist
Hans Wendel Pensel|Hans Prunner ( | ) · 1591 |1591 –1602 |1617
active 1591–1602|active 1591–1617