A late 18th century French silver tasse du vin (wine taster) of shallow circular form, the base inset with a Suppression of the Jesuit Order commemorative medallion, dated 1773, the bowl exterior engraved with motifs and dated '1775' beneath inscription 'Qui Autem Biberit Ex Aqua Quam Ego Dabo Einon Sitiet In Aeternum', the shaped tab thumbpiece engraved with the Crucifixion above an oval ring handle, hallmarked to left of handle, diameter 9cm, length 12.4cm. Note: the Society of Jesus was initially founded to counter the Protestant reformation. In Europe the Society became extremely powerful, as Papal agents garnered their great influence in court, while missionary work from China and the New World generated great wealth to the order. Many authorities viewed the Jesuits as meddling interlopers, sent from Rome to undermine local authority. By 1767 the Bourbon courts of Europe had expelled the Society from their countries. To appease the disgruntled monarchs, Pope Clement XIV officially suppressed the order in 1773.