Skip to Main Content

Drinking Vessels Through History

Introduction to library resources on history of drinking vessels, including goblets, beakers, cups and other drinking vessels. More information is available through The Library's catalog or by using the Rakow's Ask a Glass Question service.

Other Sources

Listen as former curator Dedo von Kerssenbrock-Krosigk describes this trick goblet, which holds a separate "straw" whose finial resembles the head a stag. To drink from it, one has to suck the liquid through the mouth of the stag while covering a hole in the stem of the vessel. Thus, this glass is a perfect device to fool a guest during a drinking game. The Germanic countries have a long tradition of playing elaborate games in high society.

Books & Catalogs