Phallic glass, ca. 1500–1549
Green glass, blown, applied threads
(H x W x D)21,5 × 13 × 8,2 cm
Place foundBingen
About the workIn 1578, the priest Johann Mathesius lamented that “some people also give the glasses a shameful shape”. About a hundred years later, another priest named Michael Freud deplored – among other abuses of his age – “drinking vessels which the devil has devised to the great displeasure of God in heaven; just as if the fools could not otherwise get drunk out of common cups”. Phallic glasses were part of a variety of novelty glassware. Representations of the erect male member in objects like amulets have existed since the Stone Age as a sign of power and fertility.
AccessionKarl Amendt collection, permanent loan since 1988
Inventory numberLP 2010-158
