Images(3)

beaker

Object NameBeaker

Made FromNon-lead Glass

Dateabout 1685-1700

TechniqueBlown, cut, engraved

SizeOverall H: 9.9 cm; Rim Diam: 8.7 cm

Accession Number67.3.11

Curatorial Area(s)

Early Modern

Exhibitions

Glass of the Alchemists: Lead Crystal-Gold Ruby, 1650–1750

Alchemy: Magic, Myth or Science?

A Cup of Kindness

Interpretive Notes

Web Text

This beaker is made of a type of glass known as “gold ruby”. The color is achieved by the interaction of light with particles of gold suspended within it. Consequently, it was extremely costly.

Place Made

Germany, Potsdam

Physical DescriptionTransparent ruby red non-lead glass; blown, cut, engraved. Tapered, straight-sided form; thick-walled; cut and polished circular facets at the rim and base; polished small circular facets in three vertical rows, ending in clusters of facets like stylized flowers; engraved swags of fruit and flowers in the panels between; the flat bottom with seven circular polished facets in a ring around another, larger, circular facet.
Provenance

Provenance Remark

Provenance information not currently available online. Please check back in the coming weeks.