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Beaker
Fisscher, Hieronymous - Enlarge image
Beaker
- Place of origin:
Bohemia, Czech Republic (made)
- Date:
1616 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Fisscher, Hieronymous (enameller)
- Materials and Techniques:
Enamelled glass
- Museum number:
1842-1855
- Gallery location:
Glass, room 131, case 13, shelf 1
Humpen is the German term for a large communal drinking vessel. It could contain several pints of beer and would be passed around the table on special occasions. When not in use, it was displayed on a high shelf.
The painted decoration on such glasses often refers to their owners. In this case, the painting depicts 12 scenes of the cooper's trade. The top ones show the workmen making the staves, fitting them together to form a barrel and hammering on the iron rings, or hoops. The bottom ones show them making the lid, testing the drink and enjoying the final result.

