Toast chalice with the monogram of King Stanisław August Poniatowski

Toast chalice with the monogram of King Stanisław August Poniatowski The chalice was made in a glass factory in Urzecz or Naliboki in 1760–1770. The glassworks in Naliboki (1722–1862) and Urzecz (1737–1846) were founded by Princess Anna Radziwiłł, née Sanguszko. They were the main centres of artistic glass-making in Poland in the 18th century. The production of both glassworks, comprising mainly table glass, was aimed primarily at the needs of the Radziwiłłs, but the products were also distributed throughout the country. Various goblets were produced, typical of the period: slender flutes, double goblets, so called “kulawki” (cups without feet), “cheers” chalices, as well as glasses and large glasses, decanters, sepet flasks, bottles. The decoration of the products included engraved floral and geometric motifs, coats of arms, monograms, figural representations, and inscriptions. The vessels were also decorated with cut facets, including those in the shape of carp scales. They manufactures produced mainly colourless glass, sometimes coloured in the mass. The above chalice is made of colourless glass. It is a chalice with a large, round foot, with a tall, baluster-shaped blown shaft. The bowl is cylindrical, slightly tapering towards the bottom. On the front a Baroque engraved cartouche with the monogram SAR (Stanislaus Augustus Rex) decorated on the sides with branches and leaves, above it a crown. Inscription on the back: KTO DLA KRÓLA DLA KRAIU DLA PRZYIAZNI ZYIE NIECH CHOC IEDEN Z TYCH ZWIOZKOW O CHOCZO WYPIIE [who lives for the king, for the country, and for friendship, let him gladly drink to at least one of these unions]. The edge of the bowl, the base, and the shaft are faceted. Barbara Trojnar