Cup plate c. 1835

This small, clear glass "Cup plate" from c. 1835, on display at the Art Institute of Chicago, is a fine example of pressed glass. The plate features a delicate floral design, possibly of magnolia blossoms, in the center and a wreath of leaves and flowers along the rim. The intricate details were created by pressing molten glass into a mold, a technique that gained popularity in the 19th century. This modest, everyday object, made in an anonymous workshop, reflects the growing use of glass in domestic settings.