Cup and Cover commissioned by William Beckford in 1826

Acquisition of standing cup and cover. English, London, mounts by John Harris VI, 1826-27. Lapis lazuli, mounted in silver-gilt. The oval fluted cup of lapis lazuli has chased mounts, and two handles cast as snakes and a heron's head gorged with a collar flory, a fish in its beak. The stem has a lapis knop mounted above and below with banks of martlets, rosettes, and guilloche ornament. The domed and adorned lapis foot has a shaped oval mount decorated with strap work and foliage. The lapis lazuli cover is mounted in silver-gilt, and has a finial in the form of a vase of fruit. Marks: Kings' head duty mark; lion passant; date letter 1 for 1826-27; leopard's head (indistinct); maker's mark JH. H. over finial 22.3cm. L. of foot 9.3cm W across handles 17.5cm.