Tumbler 1887 - 1896

This is an interesting pink tumbler made by Hobbs, Brockunier and Company around 1883. What immediately strikes the eye is the tactile and visual texture achieved through a uniform pattern of raised hemispherical 'buttons'. These create a play of light and shadow, giving the glass a dynamic, almost organic quality. The careful arrangement of these protrusions into neat rows gives structure to the form. Considered in terms of semiotics, each button acts as a signifier, collectively alluding to notions of unity and standardization. The use of pink—a color often associated with delicacy—juxtaposed with the robust, tactile nature of the glass, challenges conventional meanings and plays with the viewer's expectations. The tumbler stands as an intriguing object, reflecting how even everyday items can embody complex aesthetic considerations and cultural codes.