• Date: late 19th–early 20th
• Place of manufacture: Glassworks on the Franco-Belgian border.
• Manufacturing technique: blown glass, cut decoration
• Dimensions: H : 20 ; Ø : 7,5
• Collection: Coll. Adrian Colin
• Credit: © Adrian Colin
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The encrier-revanche (‘revenge inkpot’) is a perfect illustration of the glassmaker’s expertise, in particular the optical effects from the octagonal shaping, the illusion of the flowing ink and the meticulous decorations. This masterful whimsy, known as a bousillé, was made after working hours, with or without the boss’s approval. It was never intended to hold ink; instead it symbolized for the glassmakers, who had left the education system early, the triumph of manual work of intellectual work.
