BRÄM, Leonhard I

Coconuts were often used as containers in the sixteenth century and thereby frequently completed in animal forms such as owls, ostrichs or peacocks. With this drinking vessel, made by the Zurich goldsmith, who became master in 1531, the alienation effect is even further heightened. The coconut, positioned diagonally across a low base, through its mounting takes on the appearance of a fool’s cap with donkey ears, with a comb formed of nine bells and a collar also laden with bells. In order to fill it and use it as a drinking vessel, the coconut must first be turned over. The two long donkey ears thereby simultaneously served as handles and legs for placing the vessel on the table.