Station: [8] B – Bohemian Glass: Goblet with Lid

Sprecherin

Cranberry, or Gold Ruby glass was a luxury article that fell out of fashion at the end of the 18th century. It was replaced by crystal glasses with gold decor, like the Bohemian goblet with lid before you. In around 1840, Friedrich Egermann from Bohemia developed a ruby-red glass colour that not only overlaid the glass, but could also be painted onto colourless glass. The glass was eiter stained or “ruby-ized,” this of course led to the mass production of ruby-red glass and these goblets, with or without lids, were an especially popular model.

Sprecher

Goblets with lids were used first and foremost for drinking out of and the lid had a practical use: to prevent the contamination, or fast cooling or warming of drinks for one and two, there was also a panic-stricken fear of poisoned drinks at the time, which were used to clear disagreeable rulers out of the way! This is why a cupbearer served the drinks into the 18th century. This person made sure that wine from the barrels was poured into jugs or goblets with lids. These were then put on show in the banqueting hall on a type of sideboard known as a credenza. The name of this piece of furniture is Italian and means trust. If the drink frothed during the cupbearer’s initial tasting, or he began to sweat as he put the goblet to his lips, poison was afoot! So, only when all initial tastings were complete, would the drink be given to a guest.