Bokaal met het wapen van de Zeven Verenigde Provinciën c. 1725 - 1750

Curator: Here we have an engraved glass goblet dating from approximately 1725 to 1750. It's called "Bokaal met het wapen van de Zeven Verenigde Provinciën," now held in the Rijksmuseum. Editor: It’s deceptively simple. Elegant, yes, but initially quite austere. A delicate balance, almost fragile, the stem leading to a wider, conical top. What draws me in immediately is the frosted coat of arms – faint yet undoubtedly present. Curator: Indeed. The glassblowing itself is an interesting study in material culture. Look closely at the stem. You see those distinct sections? These indicate the various stages and possibly even the different artisans involved in its construction. These glasses were luxury items, meant to signify wealth and status. Editor: That coat of arms…it’s so fascinating how that one central image speaks volumes. Each element represents one of the seven provinces; an emblem of unification but it almost feels precarious. And look at the crown…a promise or hope? Perhaps it's meant to be a reminder. Curator: Absolutely. It highlights how deeply political messaging infiltrated even everyday objects. This wasn't just a vessel for wine, it was a statement of allegiance, made possible by a well-organized glassblowing process and specialized engraving techniques. Editor: I wonder how many toasts were raised using this glass? How many times were political victories celebrated, or perhaps lamented, with this goblet in hand? I see not just the coat of arms, but a phantom echo of a boisterous table, of shared national identity. Curator: And someone painstakingly engraved that imagery onto a curved glass surface! Each of those tiny cuts was a conscious act, turning raw material into a carrier of ideology. It forces us to consider the labor embedded in such an object, doesn’t it? Editor: It really does. For me, this is about seeing history through symbolism—finding collective stories encoded in objects meant for personal use. It reveals the layers of meaning we impart to everyday life. Curator: Looking closely at the craftsmanship really changes how we perceive the historical value here, for sure. It's far more than just fancy drinking vessel, it speaks to both a mode of artisanal production and political symbolism. Editor: Yes, ultimately the goblet is a vessel. An everyday piece transformed into something deeply profound. Thank you!