Wine glass 1780 - 1800

This wine glass was made by an anonymous maker, likely using a combination of blowing and molding techniques, to give it its distinctive dark green hue and delicate form. When working with glass, the maker must find a balance between gravity and centrifugal force, controlling the molten material with breath, tools, and practiced movements. This particular glass would have been created through skillful manipulation, utilizing the heat of the furnace to achieve the desired shape. The color is inherent to the composition of the glass itself; metallic oxides added to the mixture create striking visual effects. While glassblowing has a long history as a specialized craft, the repetitive nature of producing functional objects like this also connects it to histories of labor and manufacturing. This piece invites us to consider the cultural significance of glassware, and the human effort required to bring such objects into being. So, the next time you raise a glass, remember to appreciate both its beauty and the labor that went into its creation.