Candlestick c. 1940

This candlestick was made by John Dana, who lived from 1855 to 1995. This drawing gives a clear sense of the glassblowing process. The candlestick is made of clear glass, a material that’s both fragile and capable of taking beautiful forms. The blower would have used a metal pipe to gather molten glass from a furnace, inflating it like a balloon. See how the base is faceted, and the stem is formed by a series of applied bands? The glassblower would have used metal tools to shape the hot glass, working quickly before it cooled. The transparency of glass allows light to pass through, creating a sense of elegance. Glassmaking has a long and fascinating history. For centuries, it was a highly skilled craft, with secrets passed down through generations. Even now with industrial production, the touch of the human hand remains essential. Considering the material, and the labor involved, helps us appreciate this object beyond its simple function.