Cordial glass c. 1865

These cordial glasses were made by the New England Glass Company between 1818 and 1888. Note the intricate diamond-cut pattern at the base of the bowl, a motif that has traversed centuries. We see this pattern echoing in ancient Roman mosaics and medieval stained glass. These diamonds, with their multifaceted surfaces, play with light, a symbol of clarity and illumination. In the Middle Ages, such geometric precision was often associated with divine order. The images engraved at the top of the glasses also show the theme of idealized landscapes, which is as old as art itself. Consider how these elements recur, transformed yet recognizable, across diverse epochs. The diamond evolves from a representation of sacred geometry to a symbol of luxury, demonstrating the fascinating persistence of these forms and their adaptable meanings through time.