The form of this vessel is derived from an archaic bronze food container.
It has a shallow rounded bowl incised with a narrow frieze of scrolling foliage and is supported on three curved blade-like feet projecting from grotesque animal mask capitals.
The silver-gilt, spirally-twisted swing handle is mounted at the apex and terms with acorn drops, 9.5cm overall.
The 1690 Devonshire Schedule, an inventory listing an enormous bequest from Elizabeth, Countess of Devonshire (1619-1689) to her daughter Anne, Countess of Exeter (1648-1703), records: ‘A Yellow Kettle upon three ffeet the handle with three Acorns hanging to it of silver guilt.’
