Beker met drie insnoeringen c. 1880 - 1885

Curator: Before us stands "Beker met drie insnoeringen," or "Beaker with Three Constrictions," a piece from circa 1880-1885 crafted by Rheinische Glashütten-AG, residing here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: It strikes me immediately as severe yet elegant. The repetition of the constrictions leads my eye to believe it's much more like a structural element, rather than something merely decorative. Curator: Precisely! The use of clear glass and the geometric constraints emphasize form above all else. Notice the deliberate asymmetry; while the "three constrictions" are focal, their arrangement and size suggest imbalance which defies traditional symmetry, creating a dialogue with volume. Editor: Thinking about how this was actually fabricated, the making, must have been highly labor intensive, relying on skilled glassblowers manipulating molten glass to achieve those precise constrictions. This wasn't mass-produced early plastic; it was hot, physical labor. What do the formal choices say in light of all of this production context? Curator: Its clarity and defined ridges, I believe, evoke a feeling of restrained opulence – a departure from mere function toward aspiration. Editor: In contrast, I see a more pragmatic ambition. Glass, then as now, allowed glimpses, implied luxury for displaying, serving, perhaps trading things. These "constrictions", it's all about handling something precious safely while at work. Curator: A compelling reading! It encourages considering how functional objects often disguise and express aesthetic intent, thereby questioning hierarchical assumptions between form and use, function and utility. Editor: The starkness really lets the material do all of the work – one wonders about the stories each maker poured into their creations. In glasswork that speaks about industrial practices. Curator: Yes, these glass pieces at once embodies functionality, decoration, luxury, and innovation for glass, while inviting us to reflect upon glass making's material properties during industrial shifts. Editor: Indeed! By investigating "Beker met drie insnoeringen," one may unlock insights concerning artistic ambition during transformations affecting both objects and labour in our shared history.