Cup plate 1826 - 1828

Curator: Here we have a delicate glass object, an anonymous "Cup Plate" crafted between 1826 and 1828. You can find it here at the Art Institute of Chicago. Editor: It's remarkably ethereal. The light plays on it in such a way that it almost seems to disappear, but then the detailed floral and geometric patterns catch your eye. It looks both fragile and quite sturdy. Curator: Exactly! Cup plates like these gained popularity during a time when tea and coffee drinking was more refined. They were meant as resting places for teacups or coffee cups, as it was fashionable to pour the hot liquid into the saucer to cool before sipping. This practice, while quite commonplace, reflects the era's social conventions and table manners. Editor: The radial symmetry is quite compelling. The central star-like motif, surrounded by these smaller, repeated floral shapes, creates a wonderful visual rhythm. And notice how the scalloped edge echoes this circularity. I am struck by the material's capacity to reflect and refract. Curator: Glassware of this kind speaks to a burgeoning American glass industry. While cup plates might seem minor, they were often indicators of a household’s prosperity and awareness of social graces, available to a wide array of households beyond the wealthy elite. The motifs themselves were sometimes influenced by popular patterns of the day. Editor: Thinking about it now, I’m finding it so captivating. Its simplicity allows its structural composition and light interactions to really shine. Curator: It's a testament to the artistry inherent in even everyday objects, connecting us to past habits and manufacturing developments. Editor: A lovely, sparkling relic, echoing across two centuries and sitting calmly inside our modern aesthetic expectations. I am sure that whoever gets to see it leaves with an enriched view of decorative-art.