Eyecup

18th century

Eyecups or eye baths were made from a variety of materials including silver, glass and aluminum. Silver eyecups were used as early as the 16th century. However, it was not until the 18th century when more common materials such as ceramics and glass made them popular and accessible to the general public. Eyecups are used to clean the eyes with a medicated solution or plain water. This oval eyecup is ceramic and the rim conforms to the eye. It has a tapered pedestal which flares out into the foot. It has a white glazed background with blue and pink flowers.