Vintage Silver Quaich by Michael Rix, Edinburgh

A medium sized silver quaich of traditional form with a shallow bowl and two thick flat handles with downward turning ends on a simple foot rim. The outer bowl has been engraved with vertical and horizontal lines which replicate the wooden staved and bound quaichs. The base has the hallmarks for the finer Britannia silver [958], Michael Rix [RIX], Edinburgh and 2000 with additional commemorate millennium hallmark.

Quaichs are a uniquely Scottish drinking vessel with the name coming from the Gaelic cuach, meaning cup. Originally produced in wood, they were often made with staves which were then bound with withies (strips of willow) with the handles carved as an extension the stave, or they were simply turned on a lathe. During the mid-17th century, silversmiths turned their skills towards the wooden quaich and began adding silver mounts in the form of rims, feet, and fitted plates to the tops of the handles or the centre of the bowl. By the 1660s, silversmiths were making quaichs entirely of silver. The popularity of the quaich continues today.

Condition:

Excellent condition with some light surface scratches to the inside of the bowl and one near the foot.

Dimensions:

Length across handles 15cm

Diameter of bowl 9.5cm

Height 4cm

Weight 217.6g