Drinking Vessels in Medieval times

[Taniwha]

Hi Folks - quick question. I have a scene where a medicine lady make a patient a herbal tea. What is the most likely vessel she would have used? What would it have been made of. They are not gentry but ordinary country folk

 

[Ireth]

Wood, clay, or possibly horn would be my thought.

 

[skip.knox]

Anything you please, really. Ireth lists the most likely.

 

[CupofJoe]

If you say it is wood, make sure it is the right wood. So that the right wood would work. A Yew drinking vessel might look amazing, be intricately carved with wonderful graining. But it could be poisonous over prolonged use [or even short use - I know it can be toxic, but I don't know how toxic].

 

[Jeremiah Reed]

You could even use colored glass if you really wanted. Though not universally common, small glass bottles were used throughout the middle ages.

 

[Taniwha]

Thanks Folks!

 

[SeverinR]

Metallic drinking cups would be expensive. And if the society is at war much, would be looked on as a waste of metal.

 

[skip.knox]

Of course, if the character involved was a vampire, then you'd want ... to use ... a ... wait for it ... blood vessel.

 

[toomanyhobbies]

Hah! That blood vessel one got me.

 

[Taniwha]

Of course, if the character involved was a vampire, then you'd want ... to use ... a ... wait for it ... blood vessel.

*slaps forehead* Why didn't I think of that???

 

[ZLMeinecke]

I agree, wood or clay would be the most likely in this situation, horn and bone might also be a good choice if the character is more of a hunter, for lack of better term.