Colorless (grey tint) non-lead glass; blown, mold-blown, diamond-point engraved, gilt. Large, ovoid bowl, with diamond-point engraved (scratched) decoration on the sides; a band of arrowheads (formed as diamonds, with pairs of spirals below), above a band, flanked by triple lines, bearing the inscription "IN.GOD.IS.AL.MI.TRVST"; wide band below, divided into six panels; three panels filled with formal floral and foliate sprays, bordered with engraved rigaree bands, alternating with panels framed with scallops, each with an inscription or date: the initials "K" and "Y" tied with love knots in one; a merchant's mark incorporating a cross, "O", "M", and geometrical device related to the letter "K" in another; and in the third, the date "1583" with a fleur de lis below; rigaree engraved border below; band of hatched ovals and a scallop band at the base of the bowl; stem joined to a thin merese at the base of the bowl, with a tiny ball knop above a short, straight section, above a gilt, hollow, molded lion-mask stem, with rounded ribs on top, two bold lion masks on the sides, with shields between, and ribbing at the base; disk at the base of the stem; a lead or pewter strap encircles the stem below the disk, above a jagged section (presumably the remains of the original foot), another metal band, a rounded disk, another metal band, and a circular foot with folded rim; rough pontil mark.

Venetian glassmakers were hired in England during the 16th century. One of them was Giacomo Verzelini. In 1571, he was brought to London by Jean Carré, a French native and owner of the Crutched Friars Glasshouse. Carré died the following year, and in 1575, Verzelini was placed in charge of the glasshouse. The Crown gave him a 21-year monopoly on the making of Venetian glass in England. His interests were further protected by an embargo on the importation of glass from Venice. Many of the objects made at Verzelini’s glasshouse were diamond-point engraved by Anthony de Lysle, who had immigrated from France. The inscription on this glass, the only one with a lion-mask stem that is attributed to the Crutched Friars factory, reads “in.god.is.al.mi.trvst.” It is the motto of the Pewterer’s Company of London.