Georgian Bucrania Engraved Wine Glass c1780

Description

Heading : A facet cut engraved wine glass
Date : c1780
Period : George III
Origin : England
Colour : Clear
Bowl : Round Funnel
Bowl Features : Drawn round funnel engraved with neoclassical Bucrania band below oxo engraving. possibly at the atelier of James Giles
Stem : Facet cut
Foot : Conical
Pontil : Polished
Type : Lead
Size : 13cm tall with a 6cm bowl and 7.5cm foot   
Condition : Excellent
Restoration : None
Weight: 185 grams

English glassware to 1900 – C. Truman plate 21

For a gilded example please see

http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O2702/cordial-glass-giles-james/

The comments given by the V&A are most interesting

“Decorated with laurel festoons. wheel-like medallions and bucrania. Very similar to C.108-1914. It probably belonged to the Anti-Stuart drinking club – perhaps a re-formed version of the Calve’s Head Club which flourished in the reigns of Anne and George I”

Bucrania is the Latin for ox skulls. This type of decoration with flowers and garlands or festoons is steeped in history. In ancient Rome bulls were adorned with garlands prior to sacrifice. This is entirely classical in the truest sense. This type of decoration can be seen in plasterwork at Stourhead House in Wiltshire in the pantheon. pure palladian bliss.