ECS-S.184-2015

Object number

ECS-S.184-2015

Object type

jug

Title

Coconut Jug

Description

Silver-gilt and coconut jug; flaring rim engraved with flowering foliage, coconut held by three hinged straps depicting figures; s-shaped handle on a domed foot

Comments

This jug was first gifted to Eton College in the will of Adam Robyns (see: National Archives prob 11/121/382), together with the gift of £100. £60 was to be spent on tapestries for College Hall (the boys' dining hall) and £40 to buy a ewer and basin. (The silver gilt ewer and basin is still in the collection [Silver No.3] London, 1610, mark of Simon Owen. The tapestries were destroyed in a fire of 1875.)
The jug disappeared from Eton College at some point was rediscovered with dealer S.J.Phillips of London in 2014. A private donor purchased the jug and initally loaned it to Eton College. The loan has since been converted to a gift.

Dimensions

height (actual size): 280mm
weight: 905g

Inscription

Inscribed A R plus a knot
The cover of the cup has a finial engraved with the coat of arms of Eton College.
The inside of the cover has a later applied disc engraved with the Coat of Arms of John Foster, Headmaster (1765-1773)

Inscription description

Crowned leopards head
Lion rampant
Date mark: 1594-1595
Maker's mark unclear: I and I with a shield, crescent and three pellets
29oz 2 dwt
underneath of foot engraved with the weight of the mounts: ' xxiij oz iij q d' (23 oz 3 1/4 dwt)

Material

silver
coconut

Physical description

Coconut with silver gilt mounts. On a domed foot stamped with egg and dart and a band of strapwork and fruit. The stem is spindle-shaped and has a compressed spherical knop which is stamped with a band of trelliswork and rosettes. The coconut is held within three vertical straps, modelled as bearded caryatid figures and connected above to a horizontal band that is engraved with acanthus leaves. Immediately above is an applied reeded band and broad flaring lip, which is engraved with flowers and scrolling tendrils. The hinged cover is similarly domed and embossed as the foot and has a flat, seal-like finial engraved with the coat of arms of Eton College. The scroll handle is pricked on its outer surface with the initials A R and a knot and has a cast thumb piece modelled in relief with a cherub. The inside of the cover has a later applied disc engraved with the coat of arms of John Foster, Headmaster (1765-1773)

Person

Unknown (Silversmith)

Date

1594-1595

Object history note

Provenance: Collection of Adam Robyns; by whom bequeathed to Eton College;; with S.J.Phillips, London, in 2014; from whom purchased by the Salata family; by whom gifted to Eton College