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MAZER
Mazer is a drinking vessel of Germanic tradition made in maple wood in the form of a wide flat-bottomed
shallow bowl without handles.
The early examples are usually deep with narrow lip bands, while the later ones are shallower with wider
bands and an increased capacity.
These vessels were made from the 12th to the 16th century and it is supposed that the word "mazer"
derives from the ancient German word "masa" meaning a spot or from the old Welsh word "masarn"
meaning maple tree.
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They vary from simple ones made entirely of wood to most prized cups
ornamented with a precious metal rim and a circular medallion on the inside of the bowl.
The silver band around the lip was often engraved with inscriptions in Latin or in English. Many of the early
examples were converted into standing cups following the demand by wealthy classes for pieces of more
importance.
Few mazers have survived to the present day, but at the time of their introduction in England they were very
popular and made in great quantity. However, most of them were made only of solid wood as a few could afford
the cost of the addition of silver mounts.
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