Wine glass 18th-19th century

This wine glass, made by an anonymous glassblower, is a testament to the way that ordinary objects can embody extraordinary skill. Made of clear glass, it was likely created using a combination of blowing and molding techniques. The glassblower would have gathered molten glass from a furnace, inflated it into a bubble, and then shaped it using tools and molds. The stem and foot were probably formed separately and then fused to the bowl, a delicate and precise operation. The transparent material allows us to appreciate the form, but also hints at the social context of its production. Glassblowing has historically been a highly skilled trade, passed down through generations of artisans. The creation of even a simple object like this involved considerable labor and expertise. So next time you raise a glass, consider the hands that shaped it. It’s a reminder that even the most functional objects can be carriers of cultural meaning.