Charles II Antique Silver 2 Handled Cup, London 1678

Object Description

This beautiful chinoiserie silver cup must be almost unique. The body is raised from sheet and has simple strap handles and an incised, reeded neck. This is similar in form to the earliest type of mug which was only made during a short period at the last quarter of the 17th century. The cup (or porringer?) is made completely by hand, and has a gilt silver finish. The body is stunningly decorated with a hand chased chinoiserie scene depicting exotic birds and plants in a tropical forest.

Weight 254grams, 8.1 troy oz.
Height 11cm (top of handle), 10.5cm (top of neck). Spread across the handles 18.5cm. Diameter 10.3cm.
London 1678.
Maker Thomas Roman.
Sterling silver.

Other chinoiserie silver by Thomas Roman include the 1681 tankard owned by the Bakers Livery Company, London and the 1682 tankard in the Queen’s College, Cambridge collection.

Marks. Stamped underneath with a full set of clear English silver hallmarks. Maker’s mark identified as probably Thomas Roman – see David Mitchell’s Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London page 553). Owner’s initials to the underside.

Maker: Thomas Roman

Thomas Roman, London silversmith, apprenticed to John Hancock 1652, free 1659 (within term). He bound 5 apprentices between 1660 and 1679. Thomas appears to ceased activity circa 1690.

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Object Literature

Flat chased silver “in the Chinese taste” enjoyed a brief period of remarkable popularity from the 1670’s to the early Queen Anne period. Silverware of normal European forms was decorated with charming scenes representing Chinamen, birds and Chinese landscapes. The concentration of nearly all surviving examples within this clearly defined period, and the similarity of decoration on objects bearing different makers marks, point to a specialist workshop not yet identified, to which silver was sent by goldsmiths or their customers for decoration. This charming decoration of Chinese figures, birds, foliage etc. is rarely found and adds considerably to the piece.

View our article on chinoiserie silver

Object Condition

This unusual silver cup is in very good condition with moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. The gilt interior is good and bright; the outside gilt has some wear.

Object Details