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QUAICH
Quaich (cuaich in Gaelic) meaning "cup", are a uniquely Scottish invention. Having no apparent
connection to any other European drinking vessel they have maintained their distinctive shape as a wide
and shallow cup for more than four hundred years. There are some scholars who believe the shape evolved
from the use of scallop shells.
Those of small size were for individual use, larger ones were to be passed around on ceremonial occasions in the
same way as a "loving cup" or a "mether cup".
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It has two (rarely three or four) flat horizontal handles (named "lugs" in Scotland) extending level from the rim of the
bowl.
Early examples were made of wood, bone or horn (sometimes with silver mounts), while later examples
were made entirely of silver.
The centre of the bowl was usually decorated with a silver coin or an
engraved disc or 'print', with coat-of-arms, initials, motto or familiar phrase such as a toast.
The disc served the function of masking and sealing the centre of the bowl where the points of the staves
met.
The width of ancient examples ranges from 9.5 to 25 cm while modern examples are made in many sizes.
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