A RARE SET OF 18TH-CENTURY JACOBITE WINE GLASSES
£9,450
Scottish Works of Art & Whisky
Auction: 16 August 2023 at 11:00 BST
Description
the bell-shaped bowl with flared rim, engraved with trailing display of open displayed rose head flanked by twin buds and foliage, on an air twist stem and circular foot with folded rim, broken pontil to underside
Dimensions
15cm high, rim 7cm, foot 6.5cm
Footnote
Note:
The engraving to this and the larger wine glass(lot 351) bear a striking resemblance, and perhaps suggest that this rare set of wine glasses is also by Engraver C.
This rare set of six Jacobite wine glasses is remarkable as 'sets' of Jacobite glassware are virtually unheard of. This may be due to the majority of Jacobite glasses being made as singles or pairs, or that sets have regularly been split up over the years. The latter seems unlikely as there would always have been great status and value in keeping a complete set together, suggesting groups like this were very rarely made.
It is tantalizing to consider that these glasses must have sat on a Jacobite table, belonging to a supporter who was very confident in his position and status, and who had a close group of companions he could share his views with. As such a statement of wealth, taste and prominence within the Jacobite community, it can be assumed they were owned by an important high-ranking Jacobite.
For comparable sets see Lyon & Turnbull ‘Furniture & Works of Art’ 2nd May 2018 lot 10 (sold £6500) and Bonhams ‘The Scottish Sale Antiques & Interiors’ 21st August 2013 lot 262 (sold £7250)