Bucrania Engraved Dram Glass c1780

Description

Heading : 18th century facet cut dram glass
Date : c1780
Period : George III
Origin : England
Colour : Clear
Bowl : Drawn round funnel engraved with a neoclassical Bucrania band below OXO engraving. possibly at the atelier of James Giles
Stem : Diamond facet cutting
Foot : Conical
Pontil : Snapped
Glass Type : Lead
Size : 11.1cm tall with a 5.2cm bowl and a 6.2cm foot
Condition : Excellent
Restoration : None
Weight : 104 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.

We were completely unaware of the association with the Anti-Stuart drinking club until reading the description provided by the V and A. We will research this further.