Posted 5 years ago
drivingmemad
(1 item)
Found in the attic. No idea if it is old or newer. Or even what it is. It is porcelain or ceramic. strange faces on the base. 3 handles. 7 inches tall with 5.75 inch diameter. several marks on bottom. Not asking for values or anything. Just been driving me crazy ! What is it? Where is it from? anyone know what it is, where it comes from, what it's purpose is , or what/who the marks belong to ? Why the demon faces? just a really weird find. unable to locate any info on line and im surely NOT remotely wise when it comes to pottery marks. Any guidance would be appreciated.
I can't tell you about the marks, however this is called a "Pass Cup". You would take a drink and pass the cup and the next person could take it by a different handle. I think but not positive they were first seen in either England or Ireland.
Another term used is a Tyg or Tig.
Right you are vetraio50. The two handle cups are commonly found at weddings. They have a woman's face on one side and a man's face on the other. Where their ears would be is where the handles are. The bride would drink from it and pass it to the groom who accepted it by the other handle. I'm not sure where that custom started but the two handle wedding pass cups are quite common. Really expensive multi handle cups are made of sterling silver and are commonly awarded to athletes after a win.