Cocktail shaker from the -Manhattan- cocktail set c. 1934

This cocktail shaker is part of the "Manhattan" cocktail set, designed by Norman Bel Geddes. Though undated, its streamlined, geometric forms speak to the rise of Art Deco design in the early 20th century, and the fascination with modernity and industrialism that characterized this period. Consider the social rituals around cocktail culture: historically, it was often associated with elite social gatherings, business meetings, and celebrations. This set, with its sleek, machine-age aesthetic, speaks to a particular aspirational lifestyle. Who was included, and who was excluded from these social circles? The clean lines and polished surfaces suggest a sense of order and control, perhaps reflecting the optimism of the interwar period, or a retreat from the difficult realities of economic depression and social inequality. What does it mean to serve and share a drink, to toast and celebrate in the midst of an unequal world? The history of design is never just about aesthetics; it's also about power, access, and the stories we tell ourselves.