The Mostyn Flagon

This magnificent example of Elizabethan silver was made in 1601 by the future royal goldsmith John Acton. It is engraved prominently with the arms of its first owner, Sir Roger Mostyn of Flintshire, Wales, together with the arms of many of the noble families of Wales with whom he was connected. Because of its large size and the heaviness of any liquid which it might contain it was probably only intended for display on Sir Roger's buffet or cup-board in his Great Chamber. The fine engraving of fabulous beasts emerging from trailing plants and flowers has been attributed to the immigrant Flemish master Nicaise Roussel.

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