Caudle Cup
CultureEnglish
Dateca. 1660-1670
MediumEarthenware with tin glaze (delftware)
DimensionsOverall: 3 1/4 inches (8.26 cm)
Credit LineGift of Frank P. Burnap
Object number54-42
On View
On viewGallery Location
- 112
Collections
DescriptionGlobular body, flat base, loop handle. Full-face, bust portrait of King Charles II on one side, flanked by the initials CR2 within a blue wreath.Gallery LabelImages of King Charles II, such as the example on this cup, often appear on pottery produced between 1660-1685. Not necessarily an actual likeness, the images commemorated the restoration of the monarchy.
Vessels in this case were used for serving and drinking two hot, alcohol-based beverages: posset and caudle. A typical posset recipe consisted of cream, wine or ale, spices, sugar and eggs. Although posset was considered both nutritional and medicinal, it was also a popular beverage served at social gatherings. A properly made posset consisted of three layers: a frothy foam, a floating custard formed by the alcohol-curdled milk that was eaten with a spoon and the alcohol-rich liquid that sank to the bottom and was drunk or poured through the spout. Served in bulbous cups, caudle was also made with wine or ale, spices, sugar and eggs but included gruel of oatmeal or breadcrumbs.
Vessels in this case were used for serving and drinking two hot, alcohol-based beverages: posset and caudle. A typical posset recipe consisted of cream, wine or ale, spices, sugar and eggs. Although posset was considered both nutritional and medicinal, it was also a popular beverage served at social gatherings. A properly made posset consisted of three layers: a frothy foam, a floating custard formed by the alcohol-curdled milk that was eaten with a spoon and the alcohol-rich liquid that sank to the bottom and was drunk or poured through the spout. Served in bulbous cups, caudle was also made with wine or ale, spices, sugar and eggs but included gruel of oatmeal or breadcrumbs.
Mr. Frank P. Burnap (1861-1957), Kansas City, MO by 1954;
His gift to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 1954.
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