Decanter c. 1845 - 1860

Here we have a clear glass decanter, its maker unknown. Consider the social rituals around which this decanter might have been used. In a domestic setting, it would have been employed to serve beverages, likely by a woman of the house. This act underscores the gendered roles within the household, where women were often responsible for domestic duties and hospitality. The decanter is not just a functional object; it’s a marker of social standing. Owning such an item would signify a certain level of wealth and cultural refinement. Imagine the hands that have poured from it, the conversations it has been a silent witness to. It represents a set of social and class relations that speak volumes about the cultural norms of its time. While anonymous, this decanter tells a story of those it served and the world they inhabited.