Flask

A rectangular flask with a low cylindrical neck, made of transparent glass. Its main decoration is the engraved Starykoń coat of arms beneath the crown with the axe as the crest. The supporter on the left-hand side has the form of a lion with an extended tongue. The coat of arms indicates that the flask was made for a member of the Wielopolski family. However, it lacks elements (e.g. related to any held office) that would make it possible to establish the identity of the person. Most likely it was Franciszek Wielopolski (d. 1732) or one of his sons: Karol, Jan or Hieronim.

The Wilanów collection also comprises eight little glasses which came in a set with the flask (Wil.5826-Wil.5833) and which display the same decoration. The entire set was purchased by the museum in 2005, complementing the collection of the Lubaczów glassware. Vessels from the very same set can be found in other museums in Poland: the National Museum in Warsaw and at the Royal Castle in Warsaw.

The set was probably manufactured at Huta Kryształowa (Crystal Factory), the first magnate-owned facility producing luxury glass and established by hetman Adam Mikołaj Sieniawski (1666–1726) in 1717. As from the early days of operation, the emphasis was put on top-quality goods, of which the set from the Wilanów collection is an example.