Berkemeyer

Willem Clasz. Heda - Breakfast Table with Blackberry Pie - Google Art Project

Frans Hals - Brustbild eines lachenden Knaben mit Weinglas

Engraved berkemeyer - Vincens tu - Anna Roemers Visscher - Rijksmuseum - BK-NM-8186

Berkemeyer is a type of drinking vessel that originated in Germany during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It is characterized by its cylindrical shape, wide mouth, and distinctive prunts (small, decorative blobs of glass) that provide a better grip. Berkemeyers were typically made of green glass, known as "forest glass," which was produced using wood ash and sand.

History

The Berkemeyer emerged in the 15th century and became popular throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. It was commonly used in Germany, the Netherlands, and other parts of Northern Europe. The name "Berkemeyer" is believed to be derived from the German word "Berg," meaning mountain, possibly referring to the vessel's shape or the hilly regions where it was popular.

Design and Features

Berkemeyers are notable for their:

• Cylindrical Body: The main body of the vessel is cylindrical, tapering slightly towards the base.
• Wide Mouth: The mouth of the berkemeyer is wide, making it easy to drink from.
• Prunts: These are small, decorative blobs of glass applied to the body of the vessel. They serve both an aesthetic and functional purpose, providing a better grip.
• Green Glass: Most berkemeyers were made from green glass, which was common in the production of forest glass.

Usage

Berkemeyers were primarily used for drinking wine and other beverages. They were a common feature in taverns and households and were often depicted in still life paintings of the period, highlighting their cultural significance.

Related Glassware

Berkemeyers are part of a broader category of historical glassware, which includes:

• Roemer (glass)
• Humpen
• Krautstrunk

See Also

• Glass production
• History of glass
• Forest glass
• Renaissance art