Mazer known as the 'Craigievar Mazer'

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This silver and maplewood mazer was made by James Craufurd of Edinburgh in 1591. Engraved with the arms of Forbes of Craigievar, it is known as the 'Craigievar Mazer'.

The maplewood bowl is mounted with a silver band. The upper part of the band is engraved with foliage and a variety of forest animals and birds. The bowl is set on a richly-decorated baluster stem on a stepped foot with tongue and dart decoration.

Mazers were at one time a popular form of drinking bowl, originally made completely out of wood. Wealthier people, however, decorated the bowls with silver mounts and by the second half of the 16th century exceptionally elegant mazers were being produced

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-957-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  Q.L.1987.12
• Date: 1591
  
• Material: Silver; maple wood
  Mazer
  
• Dimensions: 215 mm H x 230 mm Dia (Rim), 140 mm Dia (Base)
  
• What: Mazer
  
• Subject:
• Who: Forbes Sempill family
  George Heriot senior, deacon
  James Craufurd
  James Craufurd, Edinburgh (Maker)
  
• Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Craigievar
  Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: Craigievar mazer with a maple wood bowl mounted with a silver band, by James Craufurd, Edinburgh, 1591
  
• References:
  • Dalgleish, G. & Maxwell, S. The Lovable Craft 1687-1987: An Exhibition to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Royal Charter of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh. NMS: Edinburgh; 1987 p 21 
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