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Poison Cup - 16th Century, 1850. Creator: Unknown
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Poison Cup - 16th Century, 1850. Creator: Unknown
Poison Cup - 16th Century, 1850. Item from an exhibition of ancient and mediaeval art the Society of Arts in London....the "Poison Cup"...is formed of green glass filagreed over with an outer case of silver gilt. The cover is surmounted by a crystal gem, which was considered to be a charm against treachery; "for if the draught contained in the cup were poisoned, the gem would infallibly have broken to pieces". This is the tradition, at all events, whence it derives its name, and which its present proprietor, the Master of Clare Hall, Cambridge, is of course, in duty bound, to hand down unquestioned to his successor, though we opine that this cup has been emptied many a time and oft with but small regard either to its own valuable properties or to the prescriptions of the learned physician, William Butler, by whom it was presented to the Hall in the reign of King James I'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850
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Media ID 36198600
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Elizabethan Gilded Gilding Gilt Gilt Silver Silver Gilt Tankard Tudor
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This image showcases the enigmatic Poison Cup from the 16th century, now in the possession of the Master of Clare Hall, Cambridge. The cup, displayed as part of an ancient and mediaeval art exhibition at the Society of Arts in London during the 19th century, is a mesmerizing fusion of glass and metalwork. The Poison Cup is a masterpiece of its time, crafted from green glass that is intricately filigreed over with an outer case of silver gilt. The cover is crowned with a crystal gem, believed to be a charm against treachery. According to tradition, if the draught within the cup was poisoned, the gem would invariably shatter, providing a warning to the unsuspecting drinker. The cup's provenance can be traced back to the reign of King James I, when it was presented to Clare Hall by the learned physician, William Butler. Despite its ominous name and historical significance, it is not unreasonable to assume that the Poison Cup has been emptied numerous times throughout history, with perhaps only a small regard for its valuable properties or the prescriptions of its original giver. This artifact, with its intricate decoration and rich history, is a testament to the craftsmanship and beliefs of the Elizabethan and Tudor eras. The Poison Cup, an enigma wrapped in mystery, continues to intrigue and fascinate, long after the passage of time.
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