Cruet 18th-19th century

This elegant cruet, of unknown date, is currently held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Its clear glass material and precise dimensions reflect an intriguing interplay of form and function. The bottle's structure consists of distinct horizontal bands, each adorned with various geometric patterns that create a play of light and shadow, adding depth to its transparent medium. The eye is drawn from the ridged base upwards to the flared neck, and finally rests upon a circular stopper textured with a grid-like design. The interplay of light and shadow across these forms creates a dynamic visual rhythm. Through the lens of structuralism, the cruet transcends its utilitarian role and embodies a semiotic system of signs. Its design and clarity might symbolize purity and order. Such visual elements prompt us to consider how objects themselves communicate ideas about value, taste and societal norms. The cruet, therefore, is not just an object, but a cultural signifier.