Cup plate c. 1835

This delicate cup plate, whose maker is unknown, is a small transparent disc of pressed glass, now held at the Art Institute of Chicago. Its circular form immediately draws the eye, inviting contemplation on the play of light and shadow across its textured surface. A floral motif occupies the plate’s center, encircled by a ring of foliage that frames it as if captured in glass. The anonymous artisan has skillfully manipulated the glass to create a relief pattern that merges decorative aesthetics with functionality. Consider the implications of this object: a common utilitarian item, the cup plate, elevated through careful design and material transformation. This humble piece invites reflection on how form and function intersect within the broader framework of art and design. It raises questions about value, utility, and the meanings embedded in everyday objects.