Wineglass

Unlike their French and German rivals, English factories used lead as an important ingredient in making glass, thus making it more brilliant and easier to cut and engrave. Both of these glasses are embellished with engraving, the one on the right with the word "Harmonie."

The consumption of punch and wine brought about the production of an array of ceramic vessels for serving these popular beverages. Originating in India and brought to England by British sailors, punch derives its name from the Hindi word panch, or five, referring to the five traditional punch ingredients: water, sugar, citrus, spices and spirits, usually brandy, rum or red wine. Punch, served to a group of guests from bowls or punch pots, was mainly the purview of men, and the ability to prepare the best punch was a point of pride. England imported wines from Spain, Portugal, Germany and the Canary Islands, which were decanted from casks to wine bottles, such as those displayed here.