Cup plate c. 1844

This cup plate, maker unknown, is made of pressed glass. It's a humble thing really, but it speaks volumes. Pressed glass was the Victorian era’s answer to cut crystal. Cheaper to make, it democratized luxury. Imagine molten glass forced into a mold, replicating intricate patterns with surprising clarity. The central motif features a profile portrait, possibly a political figure. Around the edge, the decorative elements of scrolling foliage enhance the plate's appeal, while the scalloped rim adds a tactile element. But what makes this little plate truly interesting is how it reflects a changing society. It marks the beginnings of mass production transforming luxury into something available for everyday use. In that respect, it embodies the complex relationship between art, industry, and access. It asks us to rethink value and authorship, to see beauty not just in the unique masterpiece, but in the ingenuity of manufacture.