Lobed, Blown And Engraved White Glass - Germany Or Netherlands - 17th Century

Rare white blown glass drinking glass, of slightly flared cylindrical form, resting on a hot-applied lobed base. The wheel-engraved decoration is composed of rich, stylized floral motifs alternating with symbolic medallions representing, in particular, an anchor and a winged fiery heart.

One of the cartouches bears the engraved motto: "HOFFNUNG FEST" ("firm hope"), accompanied by an anchor, the traditional symbol of hope and constancy. Another inscription, partially visible, reads: "Nicht Sincken Lest", an ancient Germanic formula that can be interpreted as an invocation to "not sink" or "not let sink", reinforcing the maritime and spiritual symbolism of the decoration.

The finesse of the engraving and the quality of the blowing link this piece to German-Dutch productions of the 17th century, a period during which glasses with mottoes and moral emblems enjoyed great success.