Tankard for Henricus Zwaardecroon

This cup was intended as a gift from the VOC (Dutch East India Company) to former Governor-General Henricus Zwaardecroon (1667-1728), but because he died before the showpiece could be delivered, it remained in the donor’s possession. Gods and goddesses of the sea reference the overseas territories in Asia, the chief products from which are depicted on the lid. Zwaardecroon introduced the coffee plant from South America and the silk caterpillar from China in Java.