Beaker with camels, ca. 1250–1325
Decolourized glass, blown, enamelled
(H x Ø)8 × 7,7 cm
Place of originMurano
Place foundMainz
About the workCamels did not have a positive image in antiquity and the Middle Ages: they were considered ugly, lazy and slow. Yet at the same time they were indispensable for trade with Asia and Africa. In Venice, certain boats that guided merchant ships into the lagoon were called “cammelli”. The camels on this beaker are probably an allusion to Venice’s extensive trade. Indeed, shards from similar beakers have been found all over Europe, even in Russia and the Eastern Mediterranean. They are early evidence of the triumph of Venetian glass art.
AccessionKarl Amendt collection, permanent loan since 1988
Inventory numberLP 2010-1
