Roemer c. 17th century

Curator: Just catching my breath looking at this object. The 'Roemer,' dating back to around the 17th century, part of the collection at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Isn't it something? Completely made of glass by an anonymous artist, and such character! Editor: It strikes me as wonderfully organic. Like a piece of sea flora brought into form. It's got this earthy green tint, almost a touch of jade, and those raspberry-like prunts crawling up the stem! Visually tactile somehow. Curator: "Prunts!" Love that word for those bubbly bits. Yeah, the green has a whole history baked in, doesn't it? Reminds me of that glass from childhood. Back then, all sand inevitably added impurities—mostly iron, apparently! Editor: Absolutely, this wasn't some calculated industrial hue, more alchemy. A direct result of the materials and process of the time. Think of what it meant to drink from this, feeling that slightly imperfect texture, sensing the trace of earth still there. Curator: So much texture indeed—all those little worlds on the stem, ready for a close up with a macro lens. Almost looks cellular—and it’s fascinating how this random element produces such visually exciting art! Editor: Well, "randomness" can be deceptive, can't it? In this period, these weren't mass produced in China! Each piece would carry the specific skills, idiosyncrasies, maybe even intentions of its maker. That artisan wasn’t aiming for clinical perfection. The value of imperfections... Curator: So, maybe these weren't just cups for drinking. These were communal, aesthetic objects for holding memories—an intention, if you like—during festive meals? Or a way of expressing prestige and connection to culture. You'd imagine this being central on tables. A perfect gift! Editor: Exactly. More than just drinking vessels; the Roemer served as social talismans. Toasting to alliances, health, love. A repository, literally, for both joy and perhaps even quieter reflections over a vintage wine. Holding one of these…one could only imagine. Curator: Holding something like that is time-travel to other, beautiful feasts! All right—another glass of imagining complete, shall we visit what's next? Editor: With pleasure. Ready to have my consciousness lifted to the next level through whatever artifacts await!