The Poptaschat is a story of ownership written in silver

Approach the Poptaschat’s candlesticks and ewer and the first impression is virtuoso silverwork. A second look finds an edit made by power. Anna van Eysinga commissioned the six-piece ensemble around 1670; after Henricus Popta acquired the estate, his family arms were applied over hers. In the nineteenth century, institutions including London’s Victoria and Albert Museum commissioned replicas, sending Frisian craftsmanship around the world as a model for makers. The exhibition runs from 1 August 2026 through 30 May 2027, with the museum open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00. Hokimi’s interest lies beyond national-treasure shine: the object’s name, owner and public meaning have been rewritten for three centuries. The altered arms reveal that history more sharply than memorising weight or value.

• The exhibition runs 1 August 2026–30 May 2027.
• The ensemble contains six silver objects made around 1670.
• The museum opens Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00–17:00.
• The address is Wilhelminaplein 92 in Leeuwarden.

Hokimi field note: First locate the ewer, basins and candlesticks, then look for mythological scenes and the placement of family arms. Instead of photographing only the whole case, choose one detail and record who commissioned, later owned and named it. Check current admission and Museumkaart conditions before travel.

Information verified on 20 August 2026 · Source1 · Source2