Glass "Claw" Beaker

Date: 5th–6th century

Culture: Frankish

Medium: Glass

Dimensions: Overall: 7 3/8 x 4 1/4in. (18.7 x 10.8cm)

Classification: Glass-Vessels

Credit Line: Gift of Henry G. Marquand, 1881

Accession Number: 81.10.189

Description

Though many of the most sophisticated techniques of Roman glassmaking had been lost by the fifth century, the Franks continued glass production and even developed a number of innovative forms. The most elaborate vessel type-and among the rarest-produced by the Franks is the claw beaker, distinctively decorated with dripping clawlike forms.

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