Franconia Guild Glass ca. 1720
The Carter’s Beaker: Enamel Artistry on Franconian Glass
This cylindrical beaker represents Franconia craft traditions in early 18th century. In vibrant enamel decoration it is depicting a carter (Fuhrmannszunft) in traditional clothing, proudly wielding a whip while handling his team of black horses. The object features a complete scene that wraps around the glass, with the carter, horses, and a wagon with a prominent wheel and the initials „V.R.“.
Franconian Glassmaking Tradition
Franconia, a region in northern Bavaria, developed a distinctive glassmaking tradition that differed from other German centers. By the early 18th century, Franconian glasshouses had established a reputation for high-quality transparent vessels suitable for enamel decoration. Unlike the heavily forested regions of Bohemia and Thuringia, Franconian glassmakers often worked in closer proximity to urban centers, allowing for greater interaction with other guilds and artisans.
The Carter’s Guild (Fuhrmannsgilde)
The carter’s guild, or Fuhrmannsgilde, held particular importance in 18th century German commerce. These professional transporters were responsible for moving goods between towns and regions. They formed a vital link in the commercial chain, connecting producers with markets across territorial boundaries.
The artist has captured with remarkable precision the wooden spokes, the sturdy hub, and the iron rim that characterized the sophisticated wheel design of the period.
By 1720, the wagon wheel had already reached a level of engineering sophistication that would remain largely unchanged until the industrial revolution. This visual evidence on the beaker supports the notion that certain fundamental technologies achieve near-perfect functional design early in their development—the proverbial „wheel“ that need not be reinvented.
The Guild System in 18th Century Germany
The guild system dominated craft production throughout 18th century Germany, creating a structured hierarchy that regulated every aspect of manufacturing. Guilds functioned as both professional associations and social organizations, controlling quality standards, training practices, and market access while providing members with mutual support and community standing.
Each craft maintained its own guild with specific regulations. Mastership required years of training—beginning as an apprentice, advancing to journeyman status, and finally completing a masterpiece that demonstrated technical proficiency. Guild membership was often hereditary, with craft knowledge passing from father to son and through strategic marriages.
Enamel Decoration in Early 18th Century Glassware
The enamel decoration on this beaker exemplifies the sophisticated painting techniques that flourished in early 18th century German glassmaking. Artists applied vitreous enamels (powdered glass mixed with metallic oxides) to the glass surface, then fired the piece at a lower temperature than the original glass-blowing process, fusing the decoration permanently to the vessel.
This technique allowed for remarkable detail and color vibrancy, as evident in the careful rendering of the carter’s costume, the horses‘ features, and the decorative floral and band elements. The color palette—featuring whites, blacks, reds, blues, and ochre yellows—was typical of Franconian glass decoration of this period.
Reference Objects
Hessen Fuhrmanns Zunft Humpen Glas 1660 datiert
Source:
V B (Appendix)
Bemalte Gläser. Volkstümliche Bildwelt auf altem Glas. Geschichte und Technik.
Lipp, Franz Carl
Verlag: Georg D.W. Callwey, München, 1974
Metzgerhumpen Oberfranken 1725
H. 16,8 cm
Source: page 64
Emailbemaltes Glas, Römer und Barockes Farbglas: Aus der Glassammlung des Mainfränkischen Museums Würzburg (Kataloge des Mainfränkischen Museums Würzburg) 1993
von Elisabeth M Trux (Autor), Hanswernfried Muth (Vorwort)
Literature
Internet Archive: German enameled glass; the Edwin J. Beinecke collection and related pieces
by Corning Museum of Glass 1965
Bemalte Gläser. Volkstümliche Bildwelt auf altem Glas. Geschichte und Technik.
Lipp, Franz Carl
Verlag: Georg D.W. Callwey, München, 1974
Karlheinz Joos Emailbemalte und gravierte volkstümliche Gläser 1700-1800 Sammlung Joos
Emailbemaltes Glas, Römer und Barockes Farbglas: Aus der Glassammlung des Mainfränkischen Museums Würzburg (Kataloge des Mainfränkischen Museums Würzburg) 1993
von Elisabeth M Trux (Autor), Hanswernfried Muth (Vorwort)
Related Literature – European Glass in the J. Paul Getty Museum
European Glass in
The J. Paul Getty Museum
Catherine Hess Timothy Husband
The J. Paul Getty Museum / Los Angeles
https://www.getty.edu/publications/resources/virtuallibrary/0892362553.pdf
