English Coconut Cup

This intriguing sterling silver cup features the shell of a coconut mounted into exquisite silver. A sublime example of elegant Georgian design, the cup features delicate scalloped edging as its singular motif. It is extraordinary to find such a beautiful example of this lost art, exhibiting a rare combination of classical beauty and exotic charm. The use of rare and exotic materials such as the coconut became popular across Europe during the Middle Ages, when it was believed that these unique materials from distant lands possessed mystical powers. It was held that they could detect, and even deter, the effects of poison and as such were employed as drinking vessels, often mounted with ornate embellishments of silver. As more trade routes opened up during the 16th century, materials such as the coconut became more widely available, though still only afforded to the wealthy minority in Europe and England. And, while they eventually lost their appeal for their magical powers, coconuts proved an ideal material for cups and pots and retained their popularity as such. Very similar silver-mounted coconut cups...

This set of six 19th century Continental silver gilt salt cellars take the triangular form of silver salts used by the affluent in Renaissance-era Germany. The salts are masterfully executed in a bold Mannerist style...

Carved from the shell of a coconut, this enchanting Chinese cup exhibits exceptional artistry. An elegant floral design encircles the entire cup, while the interior is fully lined with silver. In addition to the poison detecting powers attributed to coconuts, the Chinese believed that silver would tarnish when in contact with poison. In fact, many wealthy Chinese used silver lined cups and chopsticks tipped with silver fittings as an assurance against poisoning. To find a silver-lined coconut cup...

Crafted by Wedgwood, this exquisite and rare assembled coffee cup and saucer set are comprised of the firm’s famous pale “Wedgwood blue” jasperware so prized by collectors and connoi...

Crafted by Wedgwood, this exquisite and rare assembled coffee cup and saucer set are comprised of the firm’s famous pale “Wedgwood blue” jasperwar...

This timeless 216-piece flatware set from the famed Tiffany & Co. includes place settings for 12, housed in its original Tiffany & Co. fitted chest. The set is further heightened by the inclusion of gilded utensils, an exclusive rarity. Fashioned to reflect the elaborate entertainment of the Gilded Age, English King...

A fine and impressive antique English sterling silver mounted coconut cup; an addition to our diverse silverware collection. This impressive antique sterling silver mounted coconut cup has a circular rounded form onto a circular pedestal foot. The upper portion of this antique coconut cup...

An exceptional, fine and impressive pair of antique Russian silver egg cups; an addition to our silver cruet and condiment collection. These exceptional antique Russian silver egg cups have a circular rounded form to a swept pedestal foot. The body of each egg cup is embellished with exceptional embossed scrolling leaf and floral decoration accented with a shaped leaf textured background. The pedestal foot of each piece is embellished with further scrolling leaf designs, incorporating a matte background. This antique Russian egg...

The Jellies Family, which heralded a new way of perceiving tableware by using transparent products moulded with various relief patterns, has been expanded to include new elements suc...

The Jellies Family, which heralded a new way of perceiving tableware by using transparent products moulded with various relief patterns, has been expanded to include new elements suc...

The Jellies Family, which heralded a new way of perceiving tableware by using transparent products moulded with various relief patterns, has been expanded to include new elements suc...

From pasta primavera to world-renowned decadent desserts, Le Cirque's ubiquitous reputation for presenting its fine dining fare with whimsy and fun, landed it on the map of must-dine destinations in New York for glitterati and foodies alike. No matter the location, monkeys and circus themes remained a design staple of the iconic restaurant. Although the landmark restaurant's NYC doors are now closed, Black Rock Galleries is pleased to offer items from the famed restaurant. Set of 6 Le Cirque Custom Bernardaud Limoges espresso...