Saxon Erzgebirge (part of present day Germany)
Covered Humpen, 1696
Glass, enamel
10 13/16 × 3 1/2 in. (27.5 × 8.9 cm.)
Gift of the Decorative Arts Collectors and gifts of the Allen R. Hite Institute, Mr. and Mrs. William
C. Chamberlain, Museum purchase, gifts and the estate of Mrs. Hattie Bishop Speed, by exchange
2008.18 a,b

Equipped to Drink
Whether past or present, the vessels and accessories used to consume alcohol—especially in social settings—often take on very specific features depending on the nature of the drink. In the 1700s, you could drink your beer from a covered humpen that featured your coat of arms or you could use a robust silver tankard. In 1910, you could sip delicate, flavored liqueur from an equally delicate ceramic cup. In 1960, you could serve up martinis using a matching pitcher and spoon.