-Globe- still bank c. 20th century

This is a glass still bank in the shape of a globe, made by an anonymous artist. The primary visual feature is the clear glass, molded into a sphere, that evokes a sense of transparency and fragility. The artist has structured the globe with a grid of raised lines, dividing the surface into segments, reminiscent of geographic coordinates. These lines not only give form to the globe, but also suggest an underlying system of mapping and organization. Continents are subtly embossed, barely interrupting the grid, challenging our conventional understanding of geography and the boundaries of nations. The choice of glass as a medium is critical. Glass, traditionally associated with both clarity and delicateness, invites us to reflect on the transparency of economic systems and the often precarious nature of wealth. The globe bank questions our ingrained concepts related to globalization, inviting contemplation on the interconnectedness of finance and the world it shapes.