19th Century Glass Cupping Jar

Description

Heading : Glass cupping jar
Period : 19th century
Origin :  European
Colour : Clear
Bowl : Finial and bulbous body. folded rim
Glass Type : Soda
Size : approx. 8.5cm
Condition : Excellent
Restoration : None
Weight : 96grams

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 and 19th century century examples having folded rims and later examples having thickened rims.

References : British Glass 1800-1914 By Charles R. Hajdamach – Page 380 Plate 347.