Cup plate 1830 - 1835

This cup plate, whose maker is unknown, resides here at the Art Institute of Chicago. Its circular form, rendered in clear glass, immediately draws us in with its intricate design. The grid pattern at the center, overlaid with delicate floral motifs, presents a study in contrasts between geometric order and organic fluidity. The scalloped edge, punctuated with evenly spaced circles, adds a playful rhythm to the plate’s structure. The transparency of the glass further complicates our perception, allowing light to filter through and cast shadows that animate the piece. We can consider this design through the lens of structuralism, noting how the regular patterns and repeated shapes create a sense of underlying order. Yet, the subtle variations within these patterns—the slight imperfections in the glass, the gentle asymmetry of the floral designs—prevent the plate from becoming a purely mechanical object. Instead, it hovers between the mass-produced and the handcrafted, questioning the boundaries between art and industry. This tension invites us to reflect on how such an object embodies the complex interplay of design, utility, and aesthetic expression.