This glass features the Martini “ball and bar” logo: it was used to serve drinks at the Terrazza Martini in Milan.
Glass has been known since the times of Ancient Egypt and became widespread in the times of the Roman Empire. Since the revival of glassmaking techniques during the 15th century, glassware started to be used to taste wines, beers, spirits and liqueurs. In fact, unlike other materials, such as terracotta, an important characteristic of glass is that it does not modify the aromas of the liquids, so consumers can enjoy the authentic flavors of the drink inside In the early 20th century, the introduction of modern techniques to manufacture glass, allowed these objects to be produced on a large scale and to spread to all social classes.
Thus, glassware began to be used as promotional materials by beverage companies and to be distributed among costumers and consumers. The first examples of Martini branded glasses preserved in the Martini & Rossi historical archives date back to the 1920s, but it was from the 1950s onward that these objects started to be used as a medium to reinforce advertisement. For this reason, the advertising claims began to appear on the glass surface, next to the logo. Therefore, alongside posters, print campaigns, and tv and radio advertising, an essential role in Martini & Rossi communication has been played by promotional materials such as glasses, gadgets, billboards, signs, to mention a few examples in the Martini Heritage collection.