Crystal box with hinged cover (part of a set) 1848 - 1849

This crystal box with hinged cover was crafted by Johann Bernhard Hertz in the mid-19th century, bringing together glass and intricately worked silver. Look closely at the body, its transparency achieved through a process of careful glassmaking. The silver lid, on the other hand, shows skill in metalworking. Notice the elaborate engraved design, demonstrating techniques of chasing, engraving, and possibly casting. The contrast between the clear glass and the ornate silver is striking. This combination of materials, one allowing visibility and the other offering opulence, speaks to the culture of luxury and display in the 1800s. Skilled labor, evident in both glass and silver, highlights a system where craftsmanship added value to everyday objects. Considering this box, it's clear that materials, making, and social context are intertwined. Such an object challenges any divide between fine art and craft, asking us to appreciate the skill and cultural meanings embedded in everyday things.