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beaker
beaker

beaker

Object NameBeaker with Whistle
Datebeaker made about 1630; mount 1673
TechniqueFire polished
SizeOverall H: 20.5 cm; Rim Diam (max): 9.4 cm; Without Whistle H: 9.8 cm
Accession Number51.3.280
Curatorial Area(s)
Exhibitions
Beyond Venice: Glass in Venetian Style, 1500-1750
Interpretive Notes
This goblet is a variation of windmill beakers, which were used for drinking games. By blowing into the air tube, actually a whistle, the player set the paddle wheel spinning above. Before it stopped, the glass had to be emptied. A bell was often attached below to sound a successful ending to the drinking game. An inscription on a silver beaker of this type from Nuremberg that is dated 1575 indicates that such a vessel also served as a welcome glass. (see 79.3.360)
Place Made
probably Italy, Venice (glass); probably Low Countries (mount); perhaps Netherlands, Amsterdam; perhaps Belgium, Antwerp
Physical DescriptionBeaker with Whistle. Conical bowl with fire polished rim and rounded base; plain merese. Vetro a reticello decoration, with air bubbles trapped between canes. Gadrooned mount, with attached open cage containing bell. Above this, whistle: winged dragon with open mouth and curled tail. Frame to sides of dragon consists of herms, supporting arch with three thin, turned finials; fixed inside arch is paddle wheel of four compartments, one of which bears inscribed date “1673.”
Provenance
Provenance information not currently available online. Please check back in the coming weeks.

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