Decanter c. 1765

This decanter, by an anonymous maker, is made of clear glass, blown and then decorated with an etched inscription of the word ‘Burgundy,’ bordered by grape leaves. Glassblowing has a long history, but by the time this decanter was made, it would have been a partly industrialized process. The material itself –silica made molten by intense heat – is key to understanding the object. Once cooled, glass can hold liquid, but is also fragile, easily broken. The addition of etched decoration adds to this sense of preciousness, signaling that it was probably used within a culture of fine dining. And consider the social context of this object. The grapes tell us that wine goes inside, and the word ‘Burgundy’ tells us what kind. The decanter is more than just a vessel; it’s a signifier of taste, knowledge, and participation in a certain kind of consumer culture. So, this isn't just a container; it's a statement about who you are, and what you value.