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Marriage or Bridal Cup
Marriage or Bridal Cup
Marriage or Bridal Cup

Marriage or Bridal Cup

Manufacturer (Silesian, 1886 - 1923)
Datec. 1880-1890
OriginSilesia
MediumGlass and brass, enameled
Dimensions8 1/4 × 3 9/16 in. diameter (21 × 9 cm)
ClassificationsDecorative Arts, Glass
Credit LineGift of Ann and Henry Brunnier. In the Ann and Henry Brunnier Collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
Object number3.6.95
Status
Not on view
Collections
CultureSilesia
Label TextBehind these beautiful glass and metal women is a classic love story of devotion and innovation. The story says, “Centuries ago, in old Nuernberg, the noble mistress Kunigunde fell in love with a young and ambitious goldsmith. Although Kunigunde’s wealthy father (a powerful nobleman) did not approve of this pair, it was clear that she only wanted the goldsmith to be her husband as she refused many titled and rich suitors who asked for her hand in marriage. Her father became so enraged that he had the young goldsmith thrown into the darkest dungeon. Not even his daughter’s bitter tears would change her father’s mind. To her father’s dismay, imprisoning the young man did not end his daughter’s love for the goldsmith. Instead, he could only watch as his daughter grew paler and paler as a result of the separation from her true love. The wealthy nobleman reluctantly made the following proposal: He told his daughter, “If your goldsmith can make a chalice from which two people can drink at the same time without spilling one single drop, I will free him and you shall become his bride”. Of course he was certain nobody could perform such a task… Inspired by love and with skillful hands, the young goldsmith created a masterpiece. He sculpted a girl with a smile as beautiful as his own true love’s. Her skirt was hollowed to serve as a cup. Her raised arms held a bucket that swivels so that it could be filled and then swung towards a second drinker. The challenge was met. The goldsmith and the nobleman’s daughter joined hands in marriage and with the bridal cup set forth a romantic and memorable tradition as charming today as it was originally hundreds of years ago. To this day and to many couples the chalice remains a symbol. Love, faithfulness and good luck awaits the couple who drink from this cup.” From “The Legend of the Nuernberg Bridal Cup.” German Toasting Glasses, www.german-toasting-glasses.com/legend-nuernberg-bridal-cup/ Both of the Marriage Cups in the permanent collection were donated by Ann and Henry Brunnier. They are manufactured by Fritz Heckert and date from the late 1800s.
Locations
  • (not entered)  Iowa State University, Brunnier Art Museum
Marriage or Bridal Cup
Object Name: Marriage or Bridal Cup
Fritz Heckert
c. 1880-1890
Object number: 3.6.96
Bridal Cup or Wedding Goblet
Object Name: Bridal Cup or Wedding Goblet
1700-1750
Object number: 4.6.10
Loving Cup
Object Name: Loving Cup
Fritz Heckert
c. 1910
Object number: UM2006.31
Bridal Cup
Object Name: Bridal Cup
c. 1780
Object number: 4.10.2
Pulled Feather pattern
Object Name: Table Lamp
Durand Glass Works division of Vineland Flint Glassworks
1924-1932
Object number: UM2000.79abcd
Bed
Object Name: Bed
Object number: 85.9.2
Object Name: Perfume Bottle w/ Stopper
c. 1875-1900
Object number: 3.7.15ab
Marriage or Ceremonial Box
Object Name: Marriage or Ceremonial Box
1736-1796
Object number: 5.2.5abc
Rosette pattern
Object Name: Picture nail or door pull
Henry Clay Luther
c. 1880
Object number: UM2005.63
Table lamp
Object Name: Table lamp
Johann Loetz Witwe
c.1900
Object number: UM2002.13ab
Trumpet Vase
Object Name: Trumpet Vase
Ludwig Koloman Moser Glassworks
c. 1900
Object number: UM2015.133
Crucible
Object Name: Sculpture and Terrazzo Floor
Brower Hatcher
2005
Object number: U2005.300ab