The Wakefield Goblets | Dragon Stem

The dragon-stemmed goblet is often considered the epitome of the Venetian goblet. These pieces are created almost purely to showcase the glassblower’s talent for executing difficult techniques. Creating these elaborate pieces has been a decades-long personal quest of Eben's. So naturally the first goblets of this new exploration were dragon stems, some of the most difficult a glassblower can make. He was ready to dive right back in.

The result of Eben’s brave re-entry to goblet-making was Dragon Stem, a complex piece featuring various Venetian techniques. A pineapple mold was used to give the cup a faceted pattern that resembles stained glass. The cup is attached to the optic molded dragon centerpiece using a sculpted, hour-glass form called an aviolo. The dragon sits atop a twisted merese and a blown, optic-molded marble, or “knop.” This goblet features a traditional blown foot with a turned under edge.

This goblet was created on March 12, 2024, the first of Eben Horton’s series of eight Wakefield Goblets. 'Dragon Stem' measures 10.5”h x 3.5”d. It is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a custom-fitted handmade sapele wood box engraved with the artist’s signature.