Flip Glass c. 1937

Francis Law Durand made this drawing of a flip glass, but the date is unknown. It presents an intriguing case study in the intersection of design, craft, and social practice. The flip glass itself, a vessel for a mixed alcoholic drink, speaks to a specific culture of consumption and sociability. Its decoration, seemingly floral, offers a glimpse into the aesthetic preferences of its time, but also gestures toward the commercial art of glassmaking. When thinking about the social conditions, we might want to ask if it was a product of the American or European glass industry? Was this part of a larger design project? Was it made for commercial or personal purposes? The art historian can offer an insight into how design and decorative traditions reflect the aspirations and social practices of a particular time. This requires us to think critically about the complex relationship between art, commerce, and society.