Finger Bowl 1853 - 1885

This finger bowl was made from glass by Christian Dorflinger, though its exact date remains unknown. What might the social history of such an object tell us? Finger bowls like this speak to the rituals of dining in a specific era. They were status symbols, indicating a level of refinement and access available only to the upper classes in the 19th century. The bowl’s clear glass and detailed cuts reflect a desire for luxury and display, consistent with the aesthetics of the Gilded Age. The act of providing guests with finger bowls reveals much about social norms. It suggests a concern with etiquette and hygiene. The production of such an item also points to industrial advancements in glassmaking. These would have allowed for intricate designs to be made for a growing consumer culture. By studying objects like this, historians can piece together a picture of the social conditions, values, and material culture of a particular time. Careful archival research can reveal the layers of meaning embedded in seemingly simple items.