18th Century Tumbler Engraved With VOC East Indiaman c1770

Description

Heading : An engraved 18th century tumbler
Date : Third quarter 18th century
Origin : Probably Bohemia
Colour : Clear. smokey hue
Bowl : Engraved with a 17th or early 18th century square rigged East Indiaman carry the flag of the VOC
Pontil : Snapped
Glass Type : Lead
Size : 13cm tall.   10cm bowl and 7.5cm foot
Condition : Excellent. no chips or cracks
Restoration : None
Weight :  313grams

The prow of the ship is typical for Dutch East Indiamen of the 17th century. The absence of a spike bowsprit indicates that this is a mid 17th century ship at latest. There is also an engraved warehouse and guard dog. The engravers sense of perspective is primitive. It is almost certain that the engraving is based upon an image printed within a book. Ships without the bowsprit to support the jib sails were not used by the VOC when this glass was blown.

The Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie requires no introduction. The Dutch East India Company was the first to benefit from an IPO. it was one of the first quotes companies. At its peak the current indexed market capitalisation would be the equivalent of Berkshire Hathaway. Exxon. Google. Microsoft and the remaining ten largest companies in the world combined and then multiplied by three. possibly four. This was not a company. it was a state !