Facon-de-Venise Filigree Goblet c. 16th century

This delicate Facon-de-Venise Filigree Goblet features alternating bands of translucent blue and intricate white filigree. The goblet's form and decoration carry echoes of ancient motifs, reborn in the skilled hands of Venetian glassmakers. The spiraling lines, reminiscent of swirling water or perhaps even the caduceus of Hermes, point to the goblet's connection to classical antiquity, where the symbol of intertwining snakes embodied trade, negotiation, and alchemy. These motifs are not merely decorative; they speak to a deeper human desire for harmony and balance. Over time, the symbol has evolved, appearing in contexts from medicine to commerce, continually adapting to reflect changing cultural values. Consider the emotional resonance of holding such an object, imbued with centuries of artistic and cultural memory. This goblet serves as a reminder of how symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, in an endless cycle of cultural expression.