Punch bowl 1880 - 1900

Editor: Standing here, gazing at this late 19th-century punch bowl, made of cut glass and credited to an anonymous maker, I am struck by the incredible skill it must have taken to create this dazzling object. Its intricacy really sparkles. What can you tell me about its historical context and how it was perceived at the time? Curator: Well, during the late 19th century, we saw what some might describe as an explosion of decorative arts, fueled by industrialization. Objects like this punch bowl became potent symbols of prosperity and social standing. This piece, in particular, embodies a culture eager to display newly acquired wealth, as intricate cut glass involved costly raw materials and specialized craftsmanship, rendering such pieces very visible signifiers of social status and privilege. Editor: So, owning a punch bowl like this was more about showing off than, say, a deep appreciation for glass art? Curator: Precisely! These weren't simply utilitarian objects. The creation and public display of these meticulously crafted items happened because industrial manufacturing gave rise to disposable income across more segments of the population. So this seemingly innocuous punchbowl represents social aspirations, and the politics of wealth on display in late 19th century America. What do you notice about its design? Does anything stand out to you beyond its inherent shininess? Editor: I guess now that you mention the politics of wealth, I wonder who exactly was benefitting from that labor. Was this craft limited to a select few artisans, or was the opportunity more widespread? It certainly shifts my perception of the piece, thinking about the people involved. Curator: That's exactly the right question to ask. It highlights the social and labor histories often hidden within these beautiful objects. Thinking about it that way certainly does impact our relationship with this artifact, doesn’t it? Editor: It absolutely does! Thanks for shedding light on all that, I will think differently about this from now on.