Cup plate c. 1830

Curator: Here we have a cup plate dating back to around 1830. It’s part of the decorative arts collection at the Art Institute of Chicago, although its maker remains anonymous. Editor: It’s lovely, really delicate! It seems so fragile—like something you’d find in a dollhouse, not actually use. Curator: Cup plates were fairly common in the 19th century. Hot tea or coffee was typically poured from a cup into a saucer to cool. The cup was then placed on the smaller cup plate to protect tables from stains. So, everyday practicality, really. Editor: But look closer – the intricate pressed glass! The process, the labor involved... This isn't some mass-produced object; it reflects the increasing availability of refined materials for a wider public but also the skill needed to manipulate it. Someone made this. Curator: That’s right, advancements in glassmaking during this period allowed for increasingly elaborate designs to be produced, appealing to a growing middle class. The circular, almost floral design embossed in the glass would have signified refinement and taste. Owning items like this demonstrated social aspiration. Editor: I’m really taken by how tactile it looks despite being clear glass. You can almost feel the ridges of the pattern and the scalloped edge. Curator: These kinds of objects also demonstrate a shifting culture of consumption. Glassware like this speaks to a world of increasing trade, availability of goods, and, as you touched on, growing social stratification. This simple object reflects many different changes taking place at that time. Editor: Definitely. Considering its humble purpose, the craftsmanship elevates it. It makes me wonder about the stories it could tell – of countless cups of tea, maybe witnessing intimate conversations... all these social connections through simple craft. Curator: A poignant observation. It is a useful reminder that even seemingly simple objects can illuminate broader social dynamics and aesthetic preferences of their time. Editor: Indeed, highlighting the inherent value of both artistry and social context interwoven in everyday life.