Whiskey Tumbler 1884 - 1893

These whiskey tumblers, made by the New England Glass Company, feature raised patterns. One has circles, and the other has diamond shapes. In these humble vessels, we find echoes of ancient motifs and symbolic resonance. Consider the circle, a symbol of wholeness and continuity. Throughout history, it appears in religious iconography and mandalas, representing the cosmos or the self. These humble glass circles may evoke similar feelings of completion and reflection. Then there is the diamond. Think of the lozenge patterns found in Neolithic art that symbolized fertility, abundance, and feminine power. These symbols evolve and adapt to their contexts, yet the collective memory they carry engages us on a subconscious level. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings.