Air Twist Stem Wineglass

Date1850-1899

Object NameGlass

Mediumglass

ClassificationsApplied Art

DimensionsOverall: Height: 17 cm
Base: Diameter: 7 cm
Rim: Diameter: 7.5 cm

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS015644

Keywords

Drinking

About MeA wineglass with a bell-shaped bowl featuring a flaring rim above a multiple air twist stem on a flat foot.

During the 17th century glass was taxed by weight, so hollow stems or tears of air were introduced to make it lighter. In the Georgian period the wealthy were looking for something different and the principal of the tear was extended. From two to twelve of these tears were introduced into a squat cylinder of glass heated, drawn out and twisted to give a pattern of filaments of air just below the surface of the glass. Two tears can be used to produce a mercury twist so named because it reflects the light to give a delightful quicksilver effect. Twelve evenly produced filaments are much more common, forming what is known as a multiple spiral air twist.
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The import tax on wineglasses, determined by weight during the 17^th century, prompted manufacturers to create hollow pockets of air within the glass, resulting in both reduced transport costs and the appearance of greater finery.