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Engraved Ale Flute
Engraved Ale Flute
Engraved Ale Flute

Engraved Ale Flute

Date1750 - 1765
Object NameFlute Glass
ClassificationsApplied Art
DimensionsOverall: height 20.5cm × diameter of base 7.5cm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1987 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions.
CopyrightOut of copyright
LocationOn Display - Gallery 06
Object numberABDAG008595
Keywords
About MeThis ale flute features a slender funnel bowl on a straight stem with a double mercury twist on conical foot. The bowl is engraved with two ears of corn and growing hops with flowers and fruit.

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 that was 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. This glass dates to the period between seventeen-fifty and seventeen-sixty-five.
More About Me
This ale flute features a slender funnel bowl on a straight stem with a double mercury twist on conical foot. The bowl is engraved with two ears of corn and growing hops with flowers and fruit.
Exhibitions