Interior of the 'Bute' or 'Bannatyne' mazer, associated with Robert the Bruce

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A mazer is a communal drinking cup. Known as the 'Bute' or 'Bannatyne' Mazer, this is the earliest recorded Scottish mazer. It was made around 1315, possibly to celebrate a gathering of Robert the Bruce's supporters at Rothesay on Bute.

On the central boss is a lion representing Robert the Bruce. The six plaques surrounding the lion contain the coats-of-arms of Bruce's supporters. The coat-of-arms between the lion's paws are those of Bruce's son-in-law, Walter the Steward.

The mazer was made soon after the Battle of Bannockburn, possibly to celebrate a gathering at Rothesay of Robert the Bruce's supporters.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-147-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  Q.L.1979.11
• Date: Central boss: Around 1315; (Bowl and silver mounts: First half of the 16th century)
  
• Material: Maple wood; silver; silver gilt
  Mazer
  
• Dimensions: 250 mm
  
• What: Mazer
  
• Subject:
• Who: Bute of Bannatyne
  Robert I (Robert the Bruce)
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Bute of Bannatyne mazer with a deep circular bowl of bird's-eye maple wood on a flared silver foot
  
• References:
  • Calder, J. (ed). The Wealth of a Nation. Edinburgh & Glasgow: NMS & Drew, 1989 
  • Marshall, R. K. (ed). Dynasty: The Royal House of Stewart. Edinburgh: NGS & NMS, 1990 
• Translations:
• Related Records: