£7,500
Auction: 8 June 2022 at 14:00 BST
pale green glass, blown in three-part mould with separate base section, standing on a flat base with concentric ring and dot, the body flaring subtly, decorated with five rows of eight almond-shaped “lotus-bud” bosses in relief
Provenance:
Private collection, United States, acquired prior to 1993
The J.L. Collection of Ancient Glass, formed early 1970s - 2019
Note:
Although traditionally the nodules on these distinctive beakers are referred to as “lotus buds”, it has been suggested (Stern: 1995) that in fact they represent the knots of Hercules’ wooden club. As well as his legendary strength, the demigod was renowned for his drinking abilities. As such, it seems likely that the form of these beakers was a visual pun alluding to the drinker’s own prowess with alcohol.
For a similar example please see: Detroit Institute of Arts, accession number 44.4