Cup 1700 - 1715

This diminutive silver cup was made by Elias Adam in Augsburg, Germany, sometime between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Augsburg was a center of artistic production, known particularly for its metalwork. Consider the role of such an object in its time. A cup like this was not merely functional; it symbolized status, wealth, and belonging within a rigid social hierarchy. Craftmanship was often tied to family and religious identity, with skills passed down through generations. The cup, small enough to hold in one's hand, evokes the intimacy of personal rituals. Think about the hands that have held it, the lips that have touched its rim. How might it have felt to own such a finely crafted object, knowing it reflected your position in society? It offers a glimpse into a world where even the smallest objects carried significant cultural weight.