Standing cup 1740 - 1750

This glass standing cup was made in Germany by Christian Gottfried Schneider in the 18th century. It is made of colorless potash glass, a material prized for its clarity and resonance. Potash glass lends itself beautifully to engraving, a subtractive process that is exquisitely demonstrated here. See how the cup's surface has been delicately cut away, leaving behind a tableau of figures in an arcadian landscape. This detailed work, achieved with small, hand-held tools, demanded tremendous skill. Think of the level of control needed to manipulate the glass, grinding away minuscule fragments to achieve such precise imagery. The cup’s form also speaks to the expertise of the glassblower, who had to achieve a perfectly balanced silhouette, with a multifaceted stem and flared base. Objects like this straddled the line between art and craft. By appreciating the virtuosity of its making, we recognize the ingenuity of the artisans who elevated everyday materials to extraordinary heights.