Mug 1870 - 1880

This glass mug was made by Adams and Company, though the date is unknown. Its pattern is known as "hobnail," created by pressing the molten glass into a mold. Think about the concept of a mold: an object that enforces conformity on a molten substance. This mug might speak to the experience of marginalized people and what it means to live in a society that asks them to shed their individual identity. It also reflects the broader societal issues of standardization and mass production that emerged during the Industrial Revolution. Note that while the hobnail pattern repeats across the surface, each "nail" has slight variations. Perhaps these imperfections are an act of resistance, a whisper of individuality within a structure of conformity? Consider the intimate act of raising this mug to your lips. The sensation of coolness and the weight of the glass in your hand. It's a simple, human moment of pleasure, reminding us of our shared experiences despite our differences.