Welcome cup

'Welcome cup', Hanover (Hannover - Altstadt), 1717, mark of Carolus Junger. Museum no. 116-1864

'Welcome cup', Hanover (Hannover - Altstadt), 1717, mark of Carolus Junger. Museum no. 116-1864

Many guilds and societies of the period owned a modest collection of silver, partly to display at formal occasions, and partly as a financial investment.

This cup of 1717 is identified by an inscription as the Wilkomm, or welcome cup, of the Hanover Brotherhood. This primarily financial association, founded in 1616, provided free funerals for its members and their families.

The inscriptions on the cup and on the pendant shields all refer in some way to death. Unsurprisingly new members had to be under 40, in good health and of 'blameless character'. Paupers and soldiers were excluded.

A gift in your will

You may not have thought of including a gift to a museum in your will, but the V&A is a charity and legacies form an important source of funding for our work. It is not just the great collectors and the wealthy who leave legacies to the V&A. Legacies of all sizes, large and small, make a real difference to what we can do and your support can help ensure that future generations enjoy the V&A as much as you have.

More

Shop online

Chaffinch Egg Cup

Chaffinch Egg Cup

Beautiful hand painted porcelain Chaffinch egg cup

Buy now

Event - Harris Tweed Teacups

Sun 20 May 2012 10:30

PRACTICAL WORKSHOP:
Sunday 20 May, 10.30-16.30
Create a decorative cup and saucer using the finest quality Harris Tweed.

Book online