Glass 1750 - 1780

This glass vase of unknown date was made by an anonymous artist. Its transparency and complex geometry result from careful manipulation of molten glass. The material itself—glass—is key to its appearance; its clarity invites light and highlights the intricate etched patterns across its surface. These designs weren't painted or applied; rather, they were likely achieved through a process of cutting and polishing. The glass-maker probably used rotating wheels and abrasives. The faceting creates a play of light and shadow, enhancing its visual appeal, while the molded form gives it an archetypal presence. Consider too, the social context: such glassware, made in multiples, would have been accessible to a broad spectrum of consumers. This vase asks us to appreciate the skill involved in glassmaking and the history of craft and design in everyday life. It shows how the production of something beautiful can be integrated into the social and economic structures of its time.