CIRCA 1700, HANAU

This form of vessel was most typically used in tavern drinking games and finds its origins in the Middle Ages. The English pottery examples of this form are refered to as 'fuddling' cups, dated delftware examples are recorded with dates normally from the second quarter of the 17th century. Although originally thought by some to be an early form of flower-holder, English examples are known with drinking inscriptions and the generic name 'fuddling cup' derives from an old English word 'Fuddle' meaning to put in a state or confussion or to intoxicate.