The cup was perhaps the most festive and solemn of all the drinking items. The special role of the cup on the banquet table was emphasized by its shape. A rather tall, but wide and stable leg supported a huge wide bowl - this graceful vessel in itself created an appropriate festive mood. Cups were made of wood, ceramics, silver, gold, and later also of glass. </p>

Gradually, the cup turned from a necessary utilitarian object into an expensive gift, a souvenir. </p>