Cup plate c. 1844

This small, light-blue cup plate, now in the Art Institute of Chicago, was likely made anonymously in the United States using pressed glass. The intricate patterns, including a profile portrait, were achieved by pressing molten glass into a mold, a process that revolutionized glass production in the 19th century. What was once a luxury became affordable through mass production, a direct reflection of industrial advancements and consumer culture. The delicate texture and the light-catching facets of the glass transform a simple object into something visually appealing. The cup plate's significance lies not just in its aesthetic qualities but also in its testimony to the democratization of design. It’s a reminder that beauty and craftsmanship can be found in the most utilitarian of objects, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.