Rare 19th Century Bristol Blue Glass Cupping Cup c1820

Description

Heading : Glass cupping cup
Date : c1820
Origin : England
Colour : Bristol Blue
Body : A finial above a bell shaped cup
Glass Type : Lead
Size : 8cm tall and approximately 5.7cm in diameter
Condition : Excellent. no chips or cracks
Restoration : None
Weight : 103 grams

Additional Information : The upper knop was used to prise the cup from the “patient”. Cupping is an ancient technique dating back to ancient Greece and China whereby “cups” or “jars” would be heated with an open flame or hot water and placed on the bare skin of the chest or back of the patient. As it cooled it created a partial vacuum and this was alleged to remove “vapours” from the patient. They were made in many sizes with 18th century examples having folded rims and later examples having thickened rims.