What is a quaich?
A quaich is a small, shallow circular dish or bowl, with between two and four protruding handles, or lugs. The word literally comes from the translation of ‘cup’ in Gaelic, cuach. Some historians believe that the form may show an influence from the porringer or the mazer, both larger drinking vessels. However neither of these had handles.
What were quaichs used for?
The quaich was known as a 'cup of friendship', used as a vessel to share a dram of whisky. It would be passed around, just by friends, or at special occasions, clan gatherings or military engagements. Although most commonly found in Scotland, examples have also been found in Ireland. The majority of theories suggest that they emerged in the 16th century in The Highlands of Scotland, before making their way to the main cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
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What were quaichs made of?
The earliest plainer examples were commonly made out of wood, turned on a lathe, out of one piece of wood.
Another technique was when the quaich was constructed out of sections of timber, secured tightly together with bands often made out of willow around the circumference, to make the vessel watertight. This is known as staved, and gave the opportunity for the woodworker to use opposing coloured timbers, resulting in an attractive design, like the quaich pictured below. Typical woods used might be alder and laburnum, emphasising the difference in colour and grain.
Other embellishments included incorporating a Celtic knot or clan crest in the design. Or the inclusion of a silver rim around the rim, a silver disc at the base of the vessel or, following on from this, in the 17th century, quaichs were seen made entirely out of silver. The lugs were used to make it easier to hand round the quaich in a social setting, and using both hands became a symbol of trust. If both hands were holding the quaich, it would be harder for either of the drinkers to draw a weapon...
Is there a link with Bonnie Prince Charlie?
A well-known legend is that when Bonnie Prince Charlie travelled from Edinburgh to Derby with the Scottish army in the 1740s, he carried with him a glass-bottomed quaich, so that he and his regiment could keep an eye on their drinking companions.
Tradition has it that at military dinners, the piper was given a dram of whisky in a quaich at the end of his performance. He would first toast the head table, followed by the company, then drink the dram, turn the quaich upside down and kiss the base, before marching out of the room!
How much do quaichs sell for?
The market for quaichs can vary enormously. Simply designed wooden quaichs can sell for low hundreds. Whereas a silver quaich, with a good provenance, can make thousands. Rarity, age and condition also play their part in market value. They can regularly be seen at auction, antiques fairs and are sold by dealers specialising in treen, or wooden antiques.