Cup plate 1830 - 1835

This cup plate, its maker now unknown, is made of pressed glass. Glass pressing involves molten glass being squeezed into a mold. The mold imprints a design, such as the floral decoration we see here, onto the object. This method gained popularity during the 19th century due to its efficiency, making glass items more affordable. The intricate patterns and delicate texture, weight, and form were achieved through this industrialized method. While it may be tempting to dismiss such a piece as simply decorative, it's worth noting that these items democratized luxury. Glass pressing allowed for the mass production of objects that imitated more expensive, hand-cut crystal. This speaks volumes about the changing social landscape, where the desire for aesthetically pleasing objects extended beyond the wealthy elite. By examining the materials, processes, and social context, we gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance embedded within this seemingly simple cup plate.