Uniquely Scottish Silver

Uniquely Scottish Silver brings together five distinct Scottish silver object designs: mazers, quaichs, thistle cups, ovoid urns and heart brooches.

While some of these objects survive in plentiful numbers, others are amongst the earliest and rarest survivals within the Scottish silver smiths’ craft.

The display includes 43 pieces made between the 16th and early 20th centuries. During the Renaissance and Early Modern period (c.1450-1750) Scottish craftsmen designed and produced a wealth of silver artefacts. While most designs were influenced by contemporary British and European fashions, the country’s silversmiths also created a number of forms unique to Scotland. Their designs reveal that Scottish silversmiths were innovative in their work, and that they added their own twist to create a remarkably distinctive Scottish form of silverware.

Ovoid urns by Alexander Gairdner, James Ker, John Main, William Aytoun and John Rollo, Edinburgh, 1719–1760 (H.MEQ 1573).

One unusual highlight of the display is a futuristic-looking ovoid urn, which, thanks to some detective work by researchers, is now believed to have been used for serving coffee rather than tea, as had previously been thought. Such items were owned and used by people from many walks of life, and often carried sentimental value while showcasing their owners' awareness of the latest trends and styles.

Admission to the National Museum of Scotland is free, with no charge for this display and no need to book in advance to see it.