Wine Glass c. 1825

This wine glass was made in Ireland at the Cork Glasshouses. Observe the glass and its clarity. The glassmakers in Cork were celebrated for their mastery in creating colorless glass of exceptional quality. This was achieved through careful selection and preparation of raw materials, like silica, and precise control over the melting process. The glass was likely blown and shaped by hand while hot. Notice the cut decorations around the base of the bowl, these patterns showcase the glasscutter's skill in manipulating light and shadow. The production of glassware like this was a labor-intensive process, involving multiple stages and specialized skills. In the 18th and 19th centuries, glassmaking was an important industry in Ireland, providing employment for many workers. Examining objects like this can provide insight into the economic and social context of the time. It's important to look beyond the beauty of the object and consider the skilled labor and industrial processes that brought it into being.