Hobnail Creamer 1887 - 1896

This is the "Hobnail Creamer," created by Hobbs, Brockunier and Company in the late 19th century. The clear glass is transformed into a tactile experience through the raised hobnail pattern, covering its surface like a dense constellation. The overall form is deceptively simple. The bulbous body rises to a gently scalloped rim, echoed by the curve of the applied handle. However, the texture disrupts the smooth contours, inviting a playful engagement with light and shadow. Each hobnail acts as a tiny lens, refracting and distorting the light that passes through it. The emphasis on texture and form over pure function reflects a shift in design during this period. The hobnail pattern isn't just decorative; it challenges the viewer to reconsider the relationship between utility and art. This creamer destabilizes our expectations of the everyday object and invites a more sensuous appreciation of form.