What-is-it question CXXXIII.

[2209patrick]

This silver-gilt piece was made by Paul Kleebuhler, Augsburg, Germany, c.1600.
It is 7 inches ( 18 cm.) long.
What is it called ?



Pat.
.

[JLDoggett]

A bezoar? It would be a bit large for use in a single goblet, maybe it was for a ewer, hung from the curley tail. They were still popular when this was made, but their use was soon to end.
.

[2209patrick]

Hello JLDoggett.

That's a good idea, but this piece does not include a bezoar stone.
(The word bezoar comes from the Persian term "bad-sahr" which meant "poison antidote" ).
The body of this piece was carved to resemble a wild boar's pelt.

The more popular form for these pieces is an owl.



Silver-gilt example by Christopher Erhart, Augsburg Germany, c. 1600.
This piece is 10.5 inches ( 26.6 cm.) tall.
.

[JLDoggett]

Then it would have to be a silver mounted carved coconut, very early example. I think of them gaining popularity post-1650.
.

[2209patrick]

Well done.

Yes, they are both coconut cups.
British examples date from the late 15th century to the mid 18th century.

Pat.
.

[dognose]

Hi,

I read that reason these coconut shells were considered sure prize possessions, worthy of such ornamentation, was besides the ideal shape and nonporosity and the fact that the shell could be carved and polished, was that in the 16th-17th century there was widespread belief, in Europe, that the coconut shell when used as a drinking vessel, would neutralize any poison that might have added to the owner's drink.


Trev.
.