Flask

A rectangular flask made of transparent glass with a low neck and a silver casing. The Wilanów collection comprises a set of six flasks of this type (Wil.100-Wil.105). The main ornament of the vessel is the engraved matte transparent decoration on both wider sections. On one side, one can see a field with the Janina coat of arms under the royal crest, surrounded by the chain of the Order of the Holy Spirit, additionally encircled by a floral wreath. The other side shows an analogous frame with the monogram “CRP”. The silver casing of the neck and the cork display the engraved inscription reading “N.8” (the upper section of the cork also shows the Janina coat of arms). These numbers can be found on other flasks from the set and they indicate that originally the vessels came in two different sets – three of them are slightly taller and bear the numbers 1–3, while the three lower ones are 7–9.

It is assumed that the set was manufactured for Konstanty Sobieski (1680–1726), the youngest son of King John III. This is confirmed by the monogram “CPR” which means “Constantinus Princeps Regis” and by the Order of the Holy Spirit which was awarded to Konstanty. It was a very significant distinction for him, as evidenced by the fact that he was buried with it.

The flask was most probably manufactured at Huta Kryształowa (Crystal Factory) in Lubaczów, but one cannot definitely reject the surmise that it came from the royal factory at Bielany (Warsaw) or the factory in Naliboki (it would be one of the earliest items produced there). The Wilanów collection also includes a wooden portmanteau which could come in one set with the flasks (Wil.3244).

The flasks and the portmanteau were first recorded in the palace inventory around the mid-19th century and they were probably a gift from August Potocki.