Glass mug "Lady in a phaeton"

From the collection of Paulo Vik Falcon

Antique German glass beer mug "Lady in a phaeton".
A video clip about this mug can be viewed at the link: [link]

The mug was made in the period 1960-1970 at one of the many Bavarian glass-blowing workshops. The height of the mug is 20 cm, the capacity of the mug is about 0.75 liters. The mug is made by blowing glass into a mold. This technique of glass production involves a large proportion of manual labor. 
The central part of the mug is decorated with a Biedermeier stele pattern. Biedermeier). This artistic style was popular in Germany and Austria in the period 1815-1850. The paintings executed in this style reflected the subjects of everyday comfortable and cozy life. The style was initially focused on the emerging middle class (bourgeoisie) in Germany and Austria. In the 20th century, after the Second World War, nostalgic sentiments began to arise in German society for the almost forgotten comfort of the Biedermeier style. Design artists began to actively use plots with elements of this style in their applied practice.
The drawing on this mug shows a light phaeton drawn by one horse. The phaeton is driven by a coachman. The coachman's headdress is made in the form of a cylinder. As a passenger, we see a lady with an umbrella. A typical picture from the life of a bourgeois in the first half of the 19th century. The drawing is executed in the technique of fine engraving using a hand tool with a diamond abrasive. The drawing is made on a ruby-colored glass surface. The upper and lower edges of the drawing are bordered by ring bands of gilt.
The lever of the lid lifting mechanism is made in the form of a griffin figure.
The griffin is a mythical winged creature with the body of a lion and the head, claws and wings of an eagle. They symbolize power, might, strength, vigilance and speed. In myths and heraldry, griffins often guard treasures, gold, or sacred objects, combining dominion over the earth (lion) and sky (eagle).
The presence of the griffin on the mug is another reference to the artistic traditions of Germany of the past centuries.

View the collection of Paulo Vik Falcon

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