Cordial glass c. 1870

This cordial glass set was likely made in Europe, perhaps France or England, sometime in the 18th or 19th century. A time when the rituals of dining and entertaining became increasingly elaborate, particularly among the upper classes. The set, complete with its own carrying case, speaks to a culture of refinement and conspicuous consumption, one in which the display of wealth and taste was paramount. It is also a testament to the increasing availability of luxury goods, fueled by global trade and colonial expansion. The very act of transporting spirits in such a decorative manner suggests a level of social ritual removed from the practical purpose of drinking. To fully understand the place of such an object in its historical moment, we might turn to etiquette manuals, inventories of aristocratic households, or even popular novels, all of which can shed light on the social meanings and cultural values attached to luxury goods like this cordial set. In this way, we can move beyond simply admiring its aesthetic qualities to understanding its role in shaping social relations and cultural identities.