coconut goblet

Anoniem (in 1550 - 1600)

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Corinne asked

Goodmorning,

Last month, I had the privilege to visit your museum and I discovered this beautiful object. I'm actually a student in art history (in France) and I would like to know if you have more information about this coconut goblet. I have to present a specific object for my schools and if it's possible for you, could you send me some details about its history, its function. I have some knowledge about the exotic objects in the Cabinets during the 16th century but normally people speak a lot about the shell or turtle shell and this object was a real discovery for me.

Thanks in adavnce.
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen answered

Dear Corinne,
Below you find a link to a publication called 'Infelicities. Representations of the Exotic'. which I find quite interesting, and the subject of coconut beakers is included (check the index). It is a link to a google books, so it is not the complete book, but at least this way you get a glimpse of its contents and you have the reference. The best historic overview on coconut beakers has been written (in German) by Rolf Fritz, 'Die GefaBe aus KokonuB in Mitteleuropa 1250-1800', Mainz: Zabern, 1983. In case you cannot find this book, we have it in our library. Good luck, all the best, Alexandra. Link:
https://books.google.nl/books?id=DTMCf4cY4YUC&pg=PA179&lpg=PA179&dq=coconut+beakers&source=bl&ots=tZ8hmzoQKn&sig=5v5J9-lF_Wjm2jFeSvj-pJuUAvU&hl=nl&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjyu7PFopXMAhXEnRoKHY8-CmYQ6AEIKDAB#v=onepage&q=coconut%20beakers&f=false

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More information

Read aloud

In the 16th century, the coconut was not only prized for its rarity and exotic origins, but also because of its supposed medicinal and protective qualities.
Three scenes have been carved into this coconut; they are based on prints by Hans Sebald Beham (1500-1550). The scenes are from the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11-32). They show the Prodigal Son leaving his parental house, his life squandering his inheritance, and his return home.
A silver smith then placed the coconut in a silver mounting, and transformed it into this display goblet. This collector's item reflects the style of Antwerp masters such as Frans Floris I (de Vriendt).

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Specifications

Title	coconut goblet
Material and technique	Coconut with cut scene, zilver
Object type	Coconut goblet > Beaker > Tableware > Kitchen and household > Utensil
Location	This object is in storage

Dimensions	Height 23,7 cm Diameter 9 cm
Artists	Goldsmith: Anoniem
Accession number	MBZ 243 (KN&V)
Credits	Purchased 1969
Department	Applied Arts & Design
Acquisition date	1969
Creation date	in 1550 - 1600
Internal exhibitions	Hand Made - Long Live Craft (2013)
External exhibitions	Boijmans bij de Buren - REMIX ROTTERDAM, Boijmans X Wereldmuseum (2020)
Research	Show research Alma
Material	Silver > Precious metal > Metal > Inorganic material > Material > Material and technique Coconut > Fruit > Vegetable material > Organic material > Material > Material and technique
Object	Coconut goblet > Beaker > Tableware > Kitchen and household > Utensil
Geographical origin	Belgium > Western Europe > Europe