18th Century Georgian Opaque Twist Wine Glass with Double-Series Stem, 1770

Details

Description

18th Century Georgian Opaque Twist Wine Glass, Double-Series Stem, Circa 1770
An elegant and finely proportioned Georgian wine glass dating … Read more 18th Century Georgian Opaque Twist Wine Glass, Double-Series Stem, Circa 1770
An elegant and finely proportioned Georgian wine glass dating from the third quarter of the 18th century, featuring a beautifully crafted opaque twist stem and classic drawn funnel bowl.

Handmade during the golden age of English glassmaking, this charming wine glass displays a refined drawn funnel bowl raised upon a slender double-series opaque twist stem incorporating a delicate gauze core enclosed by spiralling white tapes. The intricate stem demonstrates the remarkable skill of Georgian glassmakers, whose decorative twist stems remain among the most celebrated achievements of eighteenth-century English glass production.

The glass stands upon a neatly formed conical foot, providing excellent balance and proportion, while the bowl retains a pleasing clarity that beautifully reflects the quality of the period's hand-blown glass. Fine variations within the glass, together with tiny air bubbles and subtle irregularities, serve as reminders of its entirely handmade manufacture over 250 years ago.

Opaque twist wine glasses were highly fashionable throughout the mid to late eighteenth century and represented the pinnacle of decorative table glass. Produced before industrial glassmaking, each example was individually blown and assembled by master craftsmen, meaning no two glasses are ever exactly alike.

Equally suited to a serious collection of Georgian drinking glasses or displayed as an individual decorative object, this elegant example possesses timeless appeal and remains a beautiful survivor from one of England's finest periods of glassmaking.

History
During the Georgian period, England became internationally renowned for producing some of the finest hand-blown drinking glasses ever made. Between approximately 1750 and 1775, decorative twist stems became increasingly fashionable, reflecting both technical innovation and refined taste amongst the Georgian elite.

Opaque twist stems, created using delicate white glass canes encased within clear glass, required exceptional precision and remain among the most admired forms of eighteenth-century English glass. Today they are highly collectible for both their artistry and historical significance.

Craftsmanship
Entirely hand-blown using traditional eighteenth-century techniques, the glass showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of Georgian glassmakers. The intricately constructed opaque twist stem required multiple stages of manufacture, with fine white glass canes carefully arranged before being enclosed within molten clear glass and twisted to create the elegant spiral decoration. The balanced proportions, finely formed bowl and neatly finished foot all demonstrate the exceptional standards achieved by English glasshouses during this period.

Design & Decorative Appeal
Elegant in both form and proportion, this Georgian wine glass is a timeless example of eighteenth-century tableware. The delicate white spiral stem provides a striking contrast against the clarity of the bowl, creating a sculptural quality that remains visually captivating today.

Whether displayed within a collection of antique drinking glasses, styled in a country house interior or used as a refined decorative accent, it offers understated sophistication and enduring historical charm.

Provenance
Private collection.

Dealer's Comments
We are always delighted to acquire fine Georgian drinking glasses, and this is a particularly attractive example. The beautifully executed opaque twist stem immediately catches the eye, while the elegant proportions and exceptional clarity make it a wonderful display piece. Over two and a half centuries after it was made, it remains a testament to the extraordinary skill of eighteenth-century English glassmakers.

Condition
Presented in excellent antique condition, commensurate with over 250 years of age and careful use. The glass displays good clarity with the light surface wear expected of eighteenth-century hand-blown glass. The bowl, stem and foot remain in very good order with no obvious signs of restoration observed. Minor manufacturing characteristics, including small air bubbles and slight irregularities within the glass, are entirely consistent with handmade Georgian production and add to its authenticity and charm.

Measurements
Height: 15 cm / 5.9 inches

Width: 6.5 cm / 2.6 inches

Depth: 6.5 cm / 2.6 inches This piece is designed in the style of the selected designer and/or manufacturer See less