This Dutch onion bottle, dating to the 18th century, is a classic example of early European glasswork used primarily for storing and transporting wine or spirits. Named for its distinctive bulbous, squat shape, the onion bottle was designed with a broad base and short neck to provide stability and minimize breakage during shipping—a practical form that became iconic across maritime trade networks.
Blown from dark olive-green or black glass, the bottle helped protect its contents from light exposure. It features an applied lip at the neck used for tying down a cork. Dutch glasshouses, along with English counterparts, were prolific producers of these utilitarian vessels, and they often found their way across Europe and the colonial world.
Condition: Lots of possible corrosion or applied material to inside.
