Cut glass mug with the motif of St. Barbara

Exhibit of the month 12 / 2022

inv. no. H/S-187, reg. no. 1950/88                                                                                                                         

material: crystal glass                                                                                           

processing technique: manual – blown into a mold, glass shaping                                                                     

decorative technique: cutting – engraving                                                                                                                     

motif: figurative, floral ornament                                 

dating: 18th century                                                     

dimensions: h. 150 mm, diameter 90/85 mm           

 origin: old collection fund

For the month of December, a glass mug of cylindrical shape, blown into a mold with a heavily shaped handle and a mark from the glassblower's pipe on its bottom, has been selected from the museum's collections. The mug is made of clear, colorless glass with a number of small defects – unmelted grains of sand, bubbles, and streaks. The surface of the mug is fully decorated with a floral ornament and a medallion featuring a female figure with attributes and the inscription S. BARBARA. The decoration is executed using the engraving technique, which involves a shallow negative relief, utilizing the method of engraving on copper as well as on stone.

The mug with the motif of St. Barbara has been intentionally selected for this month, as we commemorate the name on December 4th. This day is associated with a number of legends about the life of St. Barbara and folk traditions that combine pagan and Christian customs. 

Text, photo: Dagmar Pícová