A Toast to Time: The History of Wine Glasses and Goblets

Introduction

Vessels for wine have a rich history, having been used in different cultures for many centuries. Sometimes they are purely functional, at other times, decorative as well. In this article, we will examine the history, symbolism, design, as well as regional and cultural significance of wine glasses and goblets.

The Differences Between Wine Glasses and Goblets

Wine glasses and goblets are both used for drinking, and the names are often used interchangeably. However, there are significant differences between them.

Goblets have a larger bowl and a wider opening than wine glasses. Wine glasses have a narrower bowl and a tapered opening,  which concentrates the aroma and flavors of the wine. They are specifically made for holding wine, while goblets are also used for water, beer, and other beverages.    

A goblet’s stem is generally thicker and shorter than that of a wine glass. The longer stem of a wine glass allows the drinker to hold the glass without warming the bowl.  

Goblets hold more liquid than wine glasses, making them perfect for festivities. Wine glasses are smaller, ensuring that the drinker can appreciate the aromas and flavors without being overwhelmed.  

Unlike goblets, wine glasses are categorized into different types according to the kind of wine they are made for. There are glasses for white wine, red wine, dessert wine, and sparkling wine, as well as for fortified wines such as sherry and port.  

Wine glasses are typically made of glass or crystal, while goblets can be crafted from these materials, as well as from metal. Goblets can be more ornate, featuring intricate patterns or engravings. Wine glasses are often sleek and minimalist, though this is not always the case. They are usually made of clear glass, allowing the drinker to appreciate the wine’s clarity and color.

The History of Wine Glasses and Goblets

1. Bronze Age

The earliest goblets found are dated to the Bronze Age. They were mainly made from either bronze or clay and were used in both domestic and ceremonial settings. They were simple in design.

2. Ancient Egypt

The Egyptian glass hails from the 4th millennium B.C., but at this time, the glass was made into beads for jewelry. It was towards the end of the 3rd millennium B.C. that the Egyptians started to make drinking vessels out of glass. In the 15th century B.C., during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III, the first sophisticated glasses were created. Trade at this time stretched throughout the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, so glass vessels were exported.

However, in the 13th century B.C., people stopped using glass goblets and wine glasses, and now cups were again made from clay or bronze.

3. The Roman Empire

During the time of the Roman Empire, from the 1st century A.D. until the 5th, wine glasses made out of glass became popular again. High-end glasses were eventually made and were elaborately decorated, often with metal caging around the outside of the glass.

4. The Dark Age of Glass

When the Roman Empire fell in 476 A.D., many of the glassmaking techniques were lost for centuries. People reverted to drinking from vessels made out of other materials. In the castles and longhouses of the Medieval Age, goblets and tankards were used, made from a variety of substances, such as gold, silver, metal, pewter, wood, and leather.

5. Venetian Glass Renaissance

Glass was produced again in the 13th century on the island of Murano in The Venetian Republic. Stained glass for the windows of cathedrals was the primary focus at first, but  by the 15th century, Murano artisans were producing different kinds of glass objects, including wine glasses and goblets. Ancient techniques were rediscovered and new ones invented, including miliefiori, filigrana, lattimo, sommerso, and bullicante. In addition to creating coveted clear glass, Murano glass masters produced glass in many vivid colors by infusing various melted minerals into the glass mixture.

In the mid-15th century, cristallo glass was created by the glassmaker, Antonio Barovier. It is a completely clear glass that doesn’t have the yellowish tint from iron oxide impurities. It was and is still used to create high-quality wine glasses.

6. The Renaissance

During the 17th century, the manufacture of wine glasses spread to northern Europe to countries such as England and the Netherlands, where the Scientific Revolution was taking place. 

An important figure in England at this time was George Ravenscroft. He studied glassmaking in Murano in the early 1600s and then returned to England, where he opened a glassworks company, producing fine glass, including wine glasses and decanters. Many of his pieces were made from crystal. By the 1670s, Ravenscroft glass was being exported throughout Europe and even to Russia. 

In the 18th and 19th centuries, wine glasses started to be used by the middle classes as well as the nobility, normalizing the drinking of wine from glasses. 

However, wine glasses were much smaller during the Renaissance, holding on average 2.5 - 3 ounces. This is similar to a sherry glass. 

The Renaissance also saw goblets being revived. They were generally both functional and artistic. Different materials were used to make these goblets, including glass and pewter.

7. Modern Times

While wine glasses and goblets were only used by royalty and the nobility five or six centuries ago, now they are available for everybody. You can even buy them in supermarkets at very low prices. However, it is still possible to purchase more costly wine glasses and goblets, which have been handmade, with Murano glass leading this field.      

The Symbolism of Wine Glasses and Goblets

1. Pagan Rituals

Goblets and chalices were used in pagan rituals and, no doubt, are still used today in modern paganism. They are generally filled with wine and passed around so that everyone can drink. Pagans believe that sharing from the same goblet strengthens the bond between them. The vessels are used in ceremonies and rituals and are often made from silver or wood with natural symbols, such as of the earth and moon, adorning them. 

Chalices and goblets are also used in witchcraft. The vessels are usually filled with water to represent femininity.

2. Christianity

In Christianity, a chalice is used as the vessel to hold the body of Christ during Holy Communion. It represents the cup that Jesus Christ used during the Last Supper on the day before Good Friday. It is generally identified as the Holy Grail and was also used by Joseph of Arimathea to collect Christ's blood when He was crucified.  

3. Other Religions

A goblet, called the Kiddush cup, is used in Judaism during Shabbat and holiday meals to sanctify the wine to be enjoyed during the meal. In Jewish tradition, wine stands for celebration. The act of sanctification in the Kiddush cup acknowledges the finer things in life and reminds everyone to be thankful for the blessings they have. The Kiddush cup is also used at weddings.     

In Hinduism, goblets are ritual vessels used during ceremonies and for offerings. They are usually filled with Soma, a sacred drink, which brings immortality and divine blessings to those who drink it.

4. Royalty

Getting away from religious symbolism, wine glasses and goblets are connected to royalty. The elaborate designs on their vessels indicated their wealth.  Both royalty and the nobility would use them during state banquets to display their status.

Changes in the Design of Wine Glasses and Goblets

1. Ancient Civilizations

The designs were simple until the ancient Egyptians started blowing glass and produced more ornate wine glasses. They also made metal wine glasses on which were etched elaborate scenes and figures, such as pharaohs, gods, and goddesses. 

2. The Middle Ages

Wine glasses and goblets were made of metal and ceramic during the Middle Ages . They were decorated with intricate patterns as well as motifs that represented the status of the owner.  

At first, tumblers and bowls were used for drinking wine. They had wide, flat bottoms, which made them unlikely to topple over. However, eventually stemmed wine glasses were created, making drinking vessels more elegant and refined.    

Chalices were used for banquets and religious ceremonies as they were larger and so more suitable for a celebration. They were usually made of silver or gold and were intricately embellished with engravings. The more ornate, the higher the status of the owner.

3. The Renaissance

The Renaissance brought a resurgence in glass wine glasses and goblets.

Murano became the center of handmade glassmaking, with glass blowing taking center stage. Many wine glasses were made from cristallo glass, which is particularly clear, resembling natural rock crystal. However, some goblets and wine glasses were made with complex and detailed patterns, floral markings, and geometric designs.  

There was also an interest in classical art at this time, and goblets were often decorated with designs displaying scenes from Greek and Roman mythology.

4. Art Nouveau and Art Deco

The Art Nouveau period lasted from 1880 - 1910 and was inspired by nature, featuring flowing designs, stylized flowers and leaves, and bold colors. Drinking vessels were not just functional, but they were also decorative. Sometimes, they were even used as vases. The Art Nouveau movement was in contrast with the Victorian period, when many styles and techniques were copied. 

Art Deco was popular in the 1920s and early 1930s. Wine glasses were very different to those of Art Nouveau. They were streamlined with geometric patterns, such as zigzags, rectangles, and triangles, and bold colors including vibrant red, blue, and green. The designs were inspired by Cubism, Ancient Egyptian art, and Aztec and Mayan designs. Wine glasses had a simplicity which was still sophisticated and elegant.

5. Modern Times

The design of wine glasses continues to evolve. Although you can buy simple wine glasses cheaply, handcrafted glasses are making a big comeback. Many people appreciate the artistry that goes into each piece in comparison to mass-produced glasses.  

Nowadays, traditional craftsmanship is often blended with modern ideas and there is a mixed range of styles to choose from. If you want vintage, there are options as there are if you are looking for a minimalist design.   

Crystal glassware is popular, especially with the advent of lead-free crystal which has the same clarity as leaded crystal. Crystal is perfect for special occasions especially as it often has intricate patterns that catch the light beautifully.  

The Cultural Importance of Wine Glasses and Goblets Around the World

1. Europe

In Europe, wine glasses and goblets have been associated with gatherings and festivities for many centuries. In the Middle Ages, banquets were popular among the nobility, but later, wine glasses were also used in more intimate settings.  

However, different countries within Europe have their own ideas. In France, for example, which is known for its wine appreciation and production, glasses are designed to bring out the aromas and flavors of the wine. In Murano, Italy,  the center of glass production, glasses reflect tradition and artistry. Crystal glass can be found in a number of countries in Europe, such as the Czech Republic, Germany, and even Italy.

2. Middle East

Middle Eastern countries have created goblets made out of metal for centuries. Brass and copper goblets are often inlaid with silver or gold and used for ceremonies and rituals. They are usually decorated with Islamic art, which highlights calligraphy and geometric patterns.       

3. Asia

Goblets have also been used in the rest of Asia for centuries. They, too, are used in rituals and ceremonies and are intricately designed. In Japan, for example, wine glasses and goblets are often decorated with the popular cherry blossom that graces many streets in the country. In China, they are often adorned with dragons, which symbolize power.

4. Africa

African goblets and wine glasses are used in rituals and ceremonies, as well as in gatherings. For the Africans, they are a symbol of integration and stability. Although glass drinking vessels are used, goblets are also made from wood and metal, with traditional carvings and etchings.

Conclusion

Wine glasses and goblets have a long history, going back to ancient times. They have gone through many changes and have served in different settings and as symbols of status, culture, and spirituality. Though some are merely functional, many are beautiful works of art that can elevate any dinner table.