Cordial glass c. 19th century

This delicate cordial glass, now part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection, was created by an anonymous maker. These glasses were common in the 18th and 19th centuries. This simple, elegant glass embodies an intersection of cultural practices. It was likely part of a ritual of hospitality and social exchange. Imagine the hands that have held it, the conversations it has witnessed. What narratives might this vessel hold about the identities of those who used it? In a time where social standing was often reinforced through material culture, this cordial glass offered more than just a vessel for drink; it offered a stage for performing social roles. It’s a reminder of how everyday objects can be entangled with history, class, and the personal stories of those who once raised a toast with it.