Cup with cover and stand (one of a pair) 1766 - 1767

This covered cup was made by John Parker in London sometime between 1759 and 1777. Its surface is made of gold, inviting an immediate sense of opulence. The cup’s structure is vertically oriented in three segments; from the square base, the eye travels upward to the fluted stem and culminates in the rounded body and domed lid. The handles gracefully extend from its sides, and the ornate leaf-shaped finial sits squarely on top of the lid, creating a balanced symmetry. The surface ornamentation, with beaded edges and engraved cartouches, further enhances its visual richness. The cup’s design reflects a moment when function met aristocratic aesthetics. It is not merely a vessel, but a statement piece embodying the values of display and refinement. Consider the interplay of utility and excess, and how Parker transforms a simple object into a cultural artifact, laden with historical and social meaning.