Sherry glass c. 1830

This sherry glass, made anonymously, is a testament to the artistry embedded in everyday objects. The glass is clear, allowing light to play across its surface, emphasizing the intricate diamond-cut patterns. The glass was likely made using a combination of glassblowing and cutting techniques. The blown form was shaped while hot, and then the detailed geometric patterns were carved by hand using rotating wheels and abrasive compounds. This process demanded considerable skill and time. The weight and balance of the glass, combined with the tactile nature of the cut patterns, all contribute to its beauty. The level of hand-craftsmanship evident in this sherry glass, speaks to a time before mass production fully took hold. Yet, such objects were also commodities, circulated within networks of trade and consumption. By appreciating the making of this glass, we can see the skill and labor involved, challenging the idea that craft is separate from art, and prompting us to consider its place in broader economic and social systems.