Goblet with the Arms of Bregenz and of Local Patricians

Three rows of seven shields engraved in diamond-point cover the surface of this goblet. One shield is engraved with the arms of the city of Bregenz, Germany, while the rest bear the arms of prominent citizens or Bürgers of the city. For example, one shield belonged to the Deuring family, whose members served on the town council and as imperial court councilor to Ferdinand II of Austria. Diamond-point engraving on glass vessels was a popular technique in the late 1500s and 1600s, particularly throughout central Europe, the Netherlands, and Italy. The technique originated in Italy, then spread north of the Alps with immigrant craftsmen. In central Europe, diamond-point patterns usually appear with gilding and enameled decoration. This is an exceptionally rare example of a plain, elegantly engraved goblet.