Cup plate 1830 - 1840

This cup plate, now at the Art Institute of Chicago, presents an intriguing study in texture and form within a small scale. The anonymous creator worked with a vibrant blue glass, manipulating its materiality to capture a sense of both delicacy and robustness. The plate's surface is articulated with raised patterns, an interplay of smooth, ringed shapes against a stippled background. This juxtaposition of textures invites tactile exploration, even from afar, and the concentric design emphasizes the object's circular nature. The plate appears to be almost alive with a bubbling effect that creates an optical vibration across its surface. The overall effect challenges our perception of utility by elevating a functional object to something of visual interest. This piece functions as both an object of practical use and a study in the manipulation of material and form. It blurs boundaries and invites ongoing dialogue.