Flask 1860 - 1875

This blown-glass flask, of unknown origin, provides an evocative window into a bygone era of production and consumption. Made from simple materials—sand, soda, and lime—its form was achieved through the skilled manipulation of molten glass. Air was blown into the viscous material, expanding it within a mold to create its distinctive shape and embossed decoration. The resulting surface shimmers with subtle imperfections, a testament to its handcrafted origins. Beyond its utilitarian purpose, this flask speaks to the democratization of glass production. Once a luxury reserved for the elite, advancements in manufacturing made glass containers like this increasingly accessible. The flask embodies the relationship between industrial progress and everyday life, inviting us to reflect on the social and economic forces that shaped its creation and use. By considering the materials, making, and context of this humble object, we gain a richer appreciation for the complexities of our shared material culture.