Cup plate c. 1843

This small, clear glass "cup plate" is an example of pressed glass, a popular and affordable style of tableware in the mid-19th century. The plate's design features a central image of a pyramid, a popular motif at the time. The intricate, repeating pattern around the edge of the plate is achieved through a process known as "press molding", where a hot glass blank is pressed into a mold to create the final form. This particular plate, dating from around 1843, is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple yet elegant designs in the world of glassmaking.