Before you throw away that old glass vase which you inherited from your great-aunt and which has lain in the boxroom for the past decade, think twice.
It could be historic. It could be priceless. It could be a historic, priceless chamber pot.
Tucked away in the reserve collection at Palazzo Falson, the historic house museum in Mdina, is a gilt decorated small chamber pot made of glass.
Its size indicates it was probably used by children and it may date as far back as the 18th century, well before flushing toilets were a staple in the home.
There are several other unique glass items in the collection, and possibly even in private homes, according to curator Francesca Balzan.
“The truth is that we do not have a comprehensive study that examines glass making or the use of glass in a proper historic and artistic context in Malta,” Ms Balzan said.
The glassware on display at Palazzo Falson ranges from Roman period scent bottles to 18th century tumblers beautifully decorated on their faceted sides with gilding.
With the aim of shedding some light on hidden treasures, Palazzo Falson has invited British Museum curator and glass expert Aileen Dawson to Malta to examine the extensive glass collection at the museum, which will be followed by a public talk.
Ms Dawson told Times of Malta that glass has been used in many ways, including in a domestic setting and for ornaments to give us pleasure.
“As far as we know it was not made in Malta in antiquity, but it was used at an early date, as pieces dating from the Roman period have been excavated on the island and can be seen in the Roman Domus. Most recently glass was made in Malta from 1968 and has now become collectable,” she said.
In the past Malta has even contributed to setting glass fashion trends. According to Judge Giovanni Bonello, who has tracked the history of glass during the period of the Knights, Malta was the place where sunglasses were the rage from at least the 16th century.
Their use in Malta, said the historian, was “far more extended” than anywhere else in Europe.
Ms Dawson, who also works at the Victoria and Albert Museum, has a tip for treasure hunters: “Colourful vases with trailed ornament could be among ‘attic finds’, and these might have a maker’s label still attached which would give them greater appeal to the collector.”
She encourage anyone who thinks they might have something valuable to compare it with pieces on various websites and to consult a reliable local dealer or auctioneer when trying to estab-lish authenticity.
Go on, dig out that chamber pot now.
Aileen Dawson will deliver a public talk, organised by Palazzo Falson and Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, at the Phoenicia Hotel tomorrow at 6.30pm. Attendance is free. Email info@palazzofalson.com