Lidded pot c. 1775 - 1800

This lidded pot was made by an anonymous maker using glass and enamel paint. The floral decoration, likely applied by hand, has been fired onto the surface of the glass to create a smooth, glossy finish. The gold details add a touch of luxury, which would have been highly desirable. This sort of object speaks to the rise of consumer culture, when items like this were made in large quantities. Consider the skill required to create something like this, and the labor conditions of the mostly anonymous artisans who made these objects for a growing market. The pot reflects a time when design became increasingly democratized, and the question of who got to participate in the making of beautiful things became ever more pressing. It is a reminder of how craft traditions intersect with social and economic forces.