Cup and saucer

Slavkov, Bohemia, 1815–20

Glazed and painted white porcelain

H: 8 cm

Markings: “S” in blue

UMP 7279

Smooth cylindrical form with a ribbon kicked-loop handle. Colourfully painted with an Old Testament motif and the inscription: “Cham spottet seinen vater Noha.”

The Biblical story of Noah contains a curious passage describing how the youngest son of Noah, Ham, found his father drunk and naked on the floor and told his brothers about it. The brothers then covered their father, taking care not to see their father naked. When Noah awoke and found out what Ham had done, he cursed Ham’s offspring (Genesis, Chapter 9).