Barrel-shaped Goblet From Herrengrund, Upper Hungary, 18th Century

Barrel-shaped goblet from Herrengrund, Upper Hungary, 18th century

Rare double barrel-shaped goblet from Herrengrund (Úrvölgy, now Špania Dolina in Slovakia), one of the most important copper mining centers in former Upper Hungary. Made of hammered copper with traces of gilding, it consists of two nested conical goblets forming a small barrel.

Herrengrund Copper Barrel Beaker, Upper Hungary, 18th Century

Rare double beaker in the form of a barrel from Herrengrund (Úrvölgy, today Špania Dolina, Slovakia), one of the most important copper mining centres of historic Upper Hungary. Made of hammered copper with partial gilding, the vessel consists of two conical cups fitting together to form a small barrel.

Object: Double Beaker / Barrel Beaker / Mining Beaker
Origin: Herrengrund (Úrvölgy, today Špania Dolina, Slovakia), Upper Hungary
Date: 18th Century
Material: Hammered Copper
Surface: Gilded Interior, Partially Gilded Exterior
Technique: Raised, Engraved and Punched Work
Decoration: Snake-skin punchwork, ribbed barrel hoops, engraved inscriptions
Form: Two conical beakers fitting together as a barrel
Height (closed): approx. 10.5 cm (4.13 in.)
Height (each beaker): approx. 5.5 cm (2.17 in.)
Diameter: approx. 7.5 cm (2.95 in.)
Weight: XX
Period: Baroque
Condition: Very good age-related condition, gilding worn

Herrengrund vessels were highly valued throughout Europe as souvenirs, diplomatic gifts and Kunstkammer objects. Their fame was linked to the celebrated “Wonder of Herrengrund”, where copper naturally precipitated from mineral-rich mine waters onto iron. In the Early Modern period this phenomenon was interpreted as the transformation of iron into copper and regarded as proof of alchemical transmutation.

Like many Herrengrund works, this barrel beaker closely follows contemporary Baroque silver forms. Today such objects are highly sought after by collectors of mining art, Kunstkammer objects and Central European decorative arts.

Comparable examples are preserved in the collections of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, the Braunschweigisches Landesmuseum, the Slovak Mining Museum in Banská Štiavnica (Selmecbánya) and the Mining Museum of Sopron (Ödenburg).

This piece may be viewed by appointment in our gallery. We also maintain a selection of Herrengrund works, mining-related objects, Kunstkammer pieces and European silver from the 16th to the 19th century.