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Caudle Cup

CultureEnglish
Date1660
MediumEarthenware with tin glaze (delftware)
DimensionsOverall: 4 1/2 inches (11.43 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Burnap
Object number41-23/188
On View
On view
Gallery Location
  • 112
Gallery Label
This cup commemorates the English king Charles II and the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 following Oliver Cromwell's downfall.

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.
Provenance

Mr. Frank P. (1861-1957) and Mrs. Harriet C. (1866-1947) Burnap, Kansas City, MO by 1941;

Their gift to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 1941.

Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information, is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete. Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image, please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.


Caudle Cup
ca. 1660-1670
54-42
side A overall
ca. 1685
56-103
Cup and Saucer
ca. 1760-1770
57-112 A,B
1710
57-111
overall
Christian Wilhelm
1629
55-69
Platter
Delftfield Pottery
ca. 1750-1760
57-17
Bowl
Christian Wilhelm
1632
57-11
Charger
1710
54-13
Plate
1750
54-16
side overall
1682
57-67