Wineglass with Composite Stem

Date1745 - 1755

Object NameWineglass

Mediumlead glass

ClassificationsApplied Art

DimensionsHeight: 17.1 cm
Bowl At Rim: 7cm

AcquisitionAcquired in 1980.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG000932

Keywords

Drinking

About MeThis wineglass features a bell-shaped bowl and is set on a composite stem comprising of a multi-spiral air twist section over a truncated, beaded, inverted baluster, and supported on a conical 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 wealthier members of society were looking for a new, exciting aesthetic. More or less tears of air could be manipulated through the stem to different effect. The tears were introduced into a squat cylinder of glass which was then 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.