Glass goblet engraved with the names of Frisian nobles

‘ We saw this goblet in the TV programme Tussen Kunst en Kitsch. It’s incredibly rare: not many examples with Dutch names from this period have survived. It has 22 hand-engraved names of Frisian nobles, and we know exactly who they were. They were all between 20 and 30 years old. Between two of the names, Lucia and Tjerk, is a year, 1599. We therefore think that the goblet was made for this couple’s wedding or engagement party. It is a beautiful representation of the social relations and the wealth of Friesland at that time. They were the most well-known families in Friesland.’

Eveline Holsappel
curator Heritage 16th - 20th century