beaker
Object NameBeaker with Whistle
Datebeaker made about 1630; mount 1673
Place Madeprobably Italy, Venice (glass); probably Low Countries (mount); perhaps Netherlands, Amsterdam; perhaps Belgium, Antwerp
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
Not On View
Interpretive NotesThis 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)
Provenance
Source
Rosenberg & Stiebel
- 1951-11-23
Former Collection
Frederic Spitzer
Former Collection
Frederick Neuberg
