Skip to main content
Image Not Available for Ale or Cider Glass
Ale or Cider Glass
Image Not Available for Ale or Cider Glass

Ale or Cider Glass

Date1760 - 1770
Object NameAle Glass
Mediumlead glass
ClassificationsApplied Art
DimensionsOverall: Height: 18.9 cm
Bowl At Rim: Diameter: 5.9 cm
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG000925
Keywords
About MeAle or cider glass set on a double series opaque twist stem and conical foot.

It is in the Georgian period that probably one of the most intriguing forms of decoration emerged, the air twist stem. This came about as a result of the taxes imposed on glass, which was measured by weight. In the previous century avoiding heavy taxation was achieved through hollow stems or tears. In the Georgian period however when the wealthy were looking for something more extravagant to spend their money on the principal of the tear was extended.

The decoration in this glass has been achieved by the introduction of rods of opaque white glass placed vertically into a mould then clear glass poured in it being heated and drawn out in the same way as the air twists. These are known as opaque twists or cotton twists because of the tin almost thread like strands of glass.