Existing comment:
The Cittern Player Automaton
first half of the 17th century
South German (?)
Cups and automata like these two played a role in the drinking games popular during the Renaissance. The wide skirt of the alabaster figure turns into a cup when inverted; the contents had to be gulped down before the vessel could be placed back on the table. This form was later adapted to automata that could shoot arrows, point, or -- as in this example -- simply stop in front of a guest. Depending on the rules of the game, the guest would then be required to redeem a pledge or deliver a clever toast, in either case emptying his or her cup.
Maiden Cup
ca. 1580
Austrian, Tyrol
Cups and automata like these two played a role in the drinking games popular during the Renaissance. The wide skirt of the alabaster figure turns into a cup when inverted; the contents had to be gulped down before the vessel could be placed back on the table. This form was later adapted to automata that could could shoot arrows, point, or -- as in this example -- simply stop in front of a guest. Depending on the rules of the game, the guest would then be required to redeem a pledge or deliver a clever toast, in either case emptying his or her cup. |