A loving-cup with two handles, in harp form, was made by Robert Goble, of Cork, about 1694, (illustrated [p. 331]). These cups are peculiarly Irish and were made nowhere else, except when the English silversmith or the Sheffield plateworker copied them. The harp to this day has remained symbolic of Erin, and Beleek teacups of delicate egg-shell porcelain sometimes have a harp handle.
Throughout the eighteenth century a great number of these two-handled harp cups were made. They have a fine bold form and evidently fulfil the object for which they were made. The marks as shown in the specimen illustrated are usually at the top of the body near the rim.
CREAM-JUG. CORK, 1764.
Fine chased and repoussé work. Signed under lip, “Jonathan Buck, 1764.”
(Marks illustrated [p. 409].)
CREAM-JUG. DUBLIN, c. 1740.
Maker, John Hamilton. Finely chased and embossed decoration.