That cup of coffee calling you is may be using Anselmus Boetius de Boodt’s “Common Triton Horns, Charonia tritonis” (Triton’s Trumpet)(1596-1610).
The sea snail itself can reach up to two feet in length, one of the largest mollusks to be found on a coral reef. The shell is used for decoration, and of course, an occasional trumpet.
Just as there is nothing really common about the Common Triton Horns, there was also nothing common about the Flemish humanist, mineralogist, physician, and naturalist Anselmus de Boodt. Also a draughtsman from which we get this drawing, one of his famous natural history illustrations.
Born into an aristocratic family, he was educated in canonical and civil law, served on his City Council, fled to Bohemia (Boho!) where he became a civic leader’s personal physician, eventually being appointed the medical court doctor of the Emperor. He obtained an engraver’s license.
As a naturalist, his 782 illustrations filled twelve volumes. Doing so he developed a standardization and taxonomy. He became known as the father of minerology, writing The History of Gems and Stones. He later, in retirement, played string instruments, wrote plays, and painted. He compiled an herbology, and translated works in verse.
This aristocrat took his responsibilities as an aristocrat seriously. He explored the natural world, and tried to make sense of it, conveying his knowledge to others, and carving paths for others to follow later. While his look may have been conventional, his attitude was to create change, leaving the world better, a true Boho Hippie.
- 11 ounces. A standard American Coffee size is 8 ounces (slightly higher in Europe), while the general consensus of the Tea community is that a cup of Tea is only 6 ounces. So you have room for cream, a spoon, or a teabag.
- Microwave Safe and
- Dishwasher Safe for easy cleanup. Remember, dishwashers use less water than handwashing.
- White High-Gloss Ceramic, with colored interior and handle. The high gloss brings out the colors better.
- C-handle for a comfortable, easy grip
- We used an eye-catching color contrast, with colors chosen to go with the engraving.
