Kulawki are unique vessels that are largely unknown to the general public. Meanwhile, museum shelves around the world are overflowing with these simple, artistically decorated goblets. For centuries, they played a very important role in European culture. It is worth exploring the intriguing history of the kulawka, spanning both the sacred and the profane, and discovering the modern and very elegant version of this vessel.
Ancient Rhytons
The kulawka, also known as a kusztyk or kuszyk, is a vessel that, in its general shape – a stemless bowl – has accompanied humans for thousands of years. Its original form was an ox horn, into which ancient Greeks poured wine during religious rituals and later during feasts.
Over time, rhytons – as these vessels were called – were made of metal, such as gold and silver, or clay. Resembling a hollow horn in shape, they became increasingly elaborate over the years. Figures of forest and mythological creatures were carved into them, and religious scenes were painted on them. Inscriptions were also added, indicating which god they were dedicated to.
The most important feature of a rhyton was the fact that the narrow end had a hole, which was plugged with a finger when pouring liquid. Wine was drunk through this small opening, and the horn was filled through the wide opening. Thus, a full vessel could not be set down without fear of spilling.
One of the more interesting forms of rhyton was the keras, known from many paintings, resembling a goat's horn. In this case, wine was drunk from the wide rim of the vessel - the narrow tip had no opening. Over time, static rhytons also began to be produced: the horn rested on a – sometimes very wide – foot. To contemporary people, this form might rather resemble a small decanter or vase.
The rhyton was known in all parts of the world that had contact with Hellenic culture. Romans also used this type of vessel. These influences are so widespread that today kulawki can be found in museums worldwide.
The Plastic of the Middle Ages
With the Middle Ages and the popularization of goblets that more closely resemble today's vessels, the popularity of kulawki declined. Nevertheless, the stemless bowl form still appeared in various cultures in its original shape – for example, the drinking horn associated with Vikings.
Such vessels were also known to Slavs, Native Americans, and inhabitants of Africa. No wonder - horn, sometimes referred to by historians as the "plastic of the Middle Ages," was used by people all over the world to make jewelry, weapons, armor elements, or indeed, everyday objects.
However, a drinking horn is not entirely the same category as a kusztyk – even if the principle is the same and the construction similar. Nevertheless, today, goblets styled after animal horns with zoomorphic carvings are referred to as hunting kulawki. They are used for toasts after a hunt. So, what did a traditional Polish kulawka look like, how did it differ from a horn, and what was it used for?
A Toast Only with a Kulawka
The kulawka glasses beloved by the Polish gentry looked completely different from the hunting kulawka. The bowl of such a vessel rather resembled an angular, upward-flaring wine glass. At the end of a long stem, there was a cone or ball, which prevented the vessel from being placed stably. For 200 years, this type of goblet was an obligatory element of tableware in magnate courts.
Polish magnates loved feasting. As historians say, at that time, the so-called cult of the strong head prevailed in the country. Alcohol could not be missing during parties, and it was an insult to the host to leave the event sober. As scientists write, the wealthiest at that time competed in inventing games related to refilling and emptying glasses.
It is no wonder then that the glass or crystal kulawka goblet gained such dizzying popularity at that time. During toasts, drinks – most often wine or spirits – were poured into it. Due to its shape, it could not be put down without emptying it to the very bottom. Anyone who drank "in installments" had to reckon with the vessel being topped up until they managed to drink the whole thing in one go.
Stands were created for kulawki, in which they could safely stand. However, no guest could expect the host to allow them to put down a full vessel. The rest was often placed in a large bowl of cold water to cool the drink in the bowls. The wealthiest, on the other hand, simply threw the vessels behind them after the toast, breaking the glass and thus sealing the words of their speech.
With the partitions, both gentry feasts and the custom of drinking from kulawki fell into oblivion. However, it is still possible to have vessels inspired by the kusztyk in one's home – intriguing and very elegant decanters, glasses, and tumblers from the KROSNO Roly-Poly collection.
Modern Kulawki
Parallel to the rhyton and its later evolution, so-called false kulawki developed. Their stems were sawn at the end in such a way that – although it was not immediately visible – they could be safely put down.
Examples of such vessels are those from the Roly-Poly collection. Hand-made from the highest quality, perfectly clear Crystalline glass, they feature a semicircular base on which they can rest, while simultaneously spinning around their own axis. They will make a wonderful and eye-catching table decoration. Such a modern kulawka glass can also be an interesting starting point for a conversation about changes in Polish feasting customs.
Toasts full of good wishes can also be raised in stemless kulawki, i.e., wine glasses. This is an interesting alternative to traditional stemmed glasses – and very popular in wine-producing countries. This elegant vessel will certainly appeal to fans of stability and savoring a drink instead of drinking it down to the bottom – even during the most ardent speech.
See the original rocking vessels from the KROSNO Roly-Poly collection
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