Toothpick Holder 1885 - 1888

This toothpick holder was made by Richards and Hartley Flint Glass Co. sometime between 1867 and 1890, and like the name suggests, it's made of flint glass. The process used to create this involved skilled glassworkers who could have been working with hand-operated or machine-assisted tools. Molten glass was shaped and molded to create the distinctive spherical pattern, requiring precision and a good understanding of the material properties. The arrangement of these glass spheres creates an interesting visual effect, with the play of light through the glass enhancing its appearance. Pieces like this one were products of late 19th-century industrialization, reflecting mass production and widespread consumption. The making of glass objects was divided into specialized roles, with workers focused on specific tasks. This mass production contrasts with the high level of hand skill required to control the glass. Considering the material, processes, and social context in which this was made, we can begin to challenge the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft.