Topic: What is a rush sprinkler? 17th-18th century glass

[Frank]

It is the thingy on the right:

http://www.glass-study.com/studypic/PGmag/EN_1950_01/PG1950_01_page072-pl03.jpg

These were in the S&W museum in 1950

Other 5 items are; left to right.

(A) Ale glass depicting “Dr. Syntax at Glass Works” in coloured enamels. Probably Bristol, by Michael Edkins;
(B) 2-inch Piggin, used as punch ladle, Irish;
(C) Trick glass, with hollow false bottom to be filled with liquid;
(D) Bell glass;
(E) Teapot-shaped oil container for filling lamps;

courtesy The Glass-study

[David E]

Would it have been a vase specifically for rushes? It does look tall enough for that sort of plant.

[Lustrousstone]

For damping the rushes used on floors as disposable carpet, maybe, or damping rush matting or seating to keep it flexible

[Ivo]

Originally a rose water sprinkler, a straight4ward copy from antique Spanish glass; it has a name I cannot find right now - something like Ariballo or Aborratcho.

[Lustrousstone]

"Fresh n vac" then, or "Fresh n not vac" as the case may be

[Frank]

Fascinating and remarkable in showing that a piece of glass can be such an intimate piece of social history. I wonder what it was like to live with such flooring... presumably used over stone floors which are cold and limited to those that could afford such a piece of glass. Presumably it was to suppress the dust.

Ivo, when would such things have been made in Spain. Spanish glass seems such a mystery with the only books I have being in Spanish, I know there are some older books in English but mostly Spanish glass is out of the radar for English speakers. Would you recommend any reading on Spanish glass history?

Spanish glass from La Granja, salt cellar with candleholder, 18th century.

http://www.glass-study.com/studypic/Articles/LaGranja/la-granja-3b.jpg
courtesy The Glass-Study

[Lustrousstone]

And disguise the smell of the rotting food scraps, etc.  :spls:

[Frank]

Another interesting aspect is that with copying being common 300 years ago that people still get excited about their particular fancy in glass being copied. Or should one say inspired by.

[Anne]

Frank, this has a brief note about rush floors:
http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/middle-ages-hygiene.htm

[Frank]

Thanks Anne, very interesting. Pity they smother the whole page with adverts!