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Coconuts, while commonplace objects in their native lands, were highly prized and rare objects in Europe. When they first arrived in Europe is not certain, however in 1259 a Bishop of Durham noted, 'cyphum de nuce cum ped et apparatu argenti'. Throughout the following centuries there are further mentions and by the 16th century they regularly appear in the silver inventories of the nobility. As they continued in popularity throughout the centuries the form gradually became plainer to an extent that the majority of the 19th century examples the ornament is retained to the mounts and the shells simply polished.
A SILVER-MOUNTED CARVED COCONUT CUP
LATE 18TH CENTURY
Details
A SILVER-MOUNTED CARVED COCONUT CUP
Late 18th Century
With silver rim, the body carved with a repeated foliate scrolled design on a stiff-leaf support and moulded spreading socle
7½ in. (19 cm.) high
Late 18th Century
With silver rim, the body carved with a repeated foliate scrolled design on a stiff-leaf support and moulded spreading socle
7½ in. (19 cm.) high