Obj. ID: 35774 Kiddush cup, Vilnius (Vilna, Wilno), 1878
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The following description was prepared by William Gross:
The sanctification of the Shabbat and Holidays is connected with a blessing recited over wine or grape juice. While the wine can be drunk from any vessel, often special cups are created for the purpose. In most cases, regular cups are simply decorated or inscribed with names or blessings, rendering them exclusively for the Kiddush.
There are several forms of objects that directly relate them to a particular place of origin. This type of cup was known to be a Jewish form from Lithuania. Most of such cups were produced by Jewish silversmiths in Vilnius of whom there were many during the 19th and 20th centuries. The small canopy under the wine cup itself was a feature of Sabbath candlesticks as well.