Cup 1800 - 1900

This glass cup was made by the New England Glass Company, active in the 19th century, and it shows how industrial processes can yield surprisingly beautiful results. The cup is made from mold-blown glass, which gives it that distinctive textured surface. Molten glass was inflated into a mold, which gave it this patterned surface. The color was achieved by adding minerals to the molten glass – probably gold, to get that rich red at the top. Think of the expertise it would take to get that even gradation of color, from red to pale yellow. Glassmaking at this time was transitioning from a craft-based practice to industrialized production, yet it still required a high degree of skill. Objects like this one were not simply mass-produced; they were carefully designed and executed, intended for a market that valued both novelty and quality. This cup is a reminder that even everyday objects can embody artistry and innovation.