Bucrania Engraved Facet Cut Stem Wine Glass c1790

Description

Heading : Bucrania engraved facet cut stem Georgian wine glass
Period : George III – c1790
Origin : England
Colour : Clear
Bowl : Round funnel with an OXO band above bucrania engraving.
Stem : Facet cut
Foot : Conical
Pontil : Polished
Glass Type : Lead
Size :  13.1cm height. 6.2cm diameter bowl. 6.6cm diameter foot
Condition : Excellent. no chips or cracks
Restoration : None
Weight: 194 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. the pantheon. pure palladian pleasure.