Vase 1883 - 1886

This vase was created by Hobbs, Brockunier and Company, a glass manufacturer that operated in the United States during the late 19th century. The company was known for its innovative glassmaking techniques, which occurred in a time when industrialization was reshaping American society. This piece reflects broader cultural trends towards both luxury and mass production. Although simple in design, this vase embodies a tension between artisanal craft and factory production. The smooth gradient, achieved through careful chemical processes, speaks to the era's fascination with technology and progress. Yet, the vase also evokes a sense of loss – perhaps a longing for simpler times before industrialization fully took hold. Consider how such objects served as markers of social status and personal identity. Did owning such a vase elevate one's position within society? This vase invites us to reflect on the intricate ways in which material culture shapes our perceptions of self and others.