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beaker

Object NameBeaker
Made FromNon-lead Glass
Dateabout 1685-1700
Place MadeGermany, Potsdam
TechniqueBlown, cut, engraved
SizeOverall H: 9.9 cm; Rim Diam: 8.7 cm
Accession Number67.3.11
Curatorial Area(s)
Exhibitions
A Cup of Kindness
Alchemy: Magic, Myth or Science?
Glass of the Alchemists: Lead Crystal-Gold Ruby, 1650–1750
On ViewEuropean Gallery
Interpretive Notes
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.
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
Source Wilhelm Henrich - 1966
beaker
300-399; probably 325-375
bottle
800-999
goblet
1730
beaker
perhaps 300-499
cup
1900-2010
bottle
700-999