John Cooqus was the son-in-law of famous Dutch silversmith Christiaen van Vianen and succeeded his father-in-law as royal silversmith in England in 1671, serving under both Kings Charles II and James II. This vessel, which holds the host as part of the Catholic ritual ceremony of Holy Communion, may have been made for James II, as he was one of the only Catholic patrons who could have commissioned something of such quality. Although this very finely decorated ciborium was made in London, it reflects important Anglo-Dutch links.

Silver.

Theodora Wilbour Fund in memory of Charlotte Beebe Wilbour.

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