Cup plate 1830 - 1835

This small glass cup plate was made by an anonymous artist. While seemingly a simple, functional object, the cup plate speaks volumes about the social rituals of its time. Consider its use: meant to hold a teacup while one cooled their tea in the saucer, it reflects a culture deeply entwined with etiquette and social hierarchy. The very act of drinking tea was, and remains, a ritual imbued with gendered expectations, often associated with women and domesticity. Moreover, the transparency of the glass invites us to reflect on visibility and access. Who had access to such delicate items, and what does it mean for an object of everyday use to carry such symbolic weight? The anonymity of the maker further complicates the narrative, reminding us of the countless artisans whose labor shaped our material world, yet whose stories often remain untold. This unassuming object invites us to consider the intricate connections between daily life, social status, and the subtle ways in which power is expressed.