A sterling silver wine taster or 'tastevin' made by Hermès. This beautifully made and designed drinking cup is very classic in its design. In this instance the handle used to angle the cup toward the mouth is the classic ring to secure on the hand, and then a large thumb rest above it to make for an easy tip to the mouth. The center of the cup is set with a genuine French silver coin, valuable in its own right, which looks wonderful with the wine running over it. The quality of the piece is wonderful throughout, with a thick gauge of silver, but a refinement to the lip.
The coin at the center of this fabulous cup is a French solid silver coin dating from 1747. It was minted to commemorate the Académie royale des Inscriptions et Médailles with the arts being celebrated on the rear, and King Louis VX on the front. The Académie royale des Inscriptions et Médailles, founded by Colbert in 1663, called "Little Academy" by Madame de Montespan, was the first foundation of the reign of Louis XIV. Originally, it consisted in the Privy Council, a handful of academics responsible for working with the glorification of the King. In practice, this small academy was responsible for designing and overseeing erected to the glory of the King (Paris inscriptions doors, ceilings of the Hall of Mirrors) monuments, check librettos, imagine the currency tokens and medals, etc.. On the death of Louis XIV, it became the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres, its operation is formalized and missions become official.
It is given much credit for the expansion of both art and its critiquing. This is reflected in the writing of La Font de Saint-Yenne on the salon of 1747, "Réflexions sur la peinture"; How many celebrated deeds in the work of the Greeks and the Romans, how many edifices which have been destroyed, temples, Arcs de Triomphe, and famous and noticeable monuments that should have escaped us without the medallions that surpassed their duration, are today the most authentic and most incontestable proofs of history! Those of the century of Louis XIV and those of the century of Louis XV not inferior to them will be sought in extremely distant times, as Greek medals or the High Empire today. But it will not be only the skill of engravers that renders them precious, but the learned academicians established by our King in this subject will provide the best part of their price and value.
The piece was made by the French manufacturers Ravinet D'Enfert for Hermès, and features their makers mark. They were large scale silversmiths in France and were contracted by Hermès to make home goods for the luxury atelier during the mid 20th Century.
This can, of course, be used for any purpose such as a catchall. However, its origins derived from ancient French wine tradition. A tastevin is an old tasting-cup used by tasters and wine-producers. According to a custom going back to the 15th or 16th century, it is given as a christening present, and regarded as a tool rather than an "objet d'art" and people of Burgundy keep it one their pocket! It is an essential utensil for winegrowers and wine tasters, the tâtevin, tâter which translates"to taste"is the only recognised wine tasting cup.
The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin has its own spelling of the word "tastevin". This refers to a local colour and also established precedence; for this word, particular to the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, is officially registered and protected in France. The words"Tastevin", "Tastevinage", "Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin" are not 'common' words. Moreover, the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin features in the Larousse Dictionary, which gives its aim: " To magnify wine at its noblest ".
The piece is fully signed on the side of the rim, also featuring the French assay mark for silver, the Minerva head, and makers marks. The thumb rests is also marked with the Minerva mark on the underside. The condition is excellent throughout. Made in France, circa 1960's.
