Mug c. late 18th century

Editor: This is an object titled "Mug," dating back to the late 18th century. It appears to be crafted from clear glass. It strikes me as surprisingly simple for the time. What aspects of its materiality and context do you find most compelling? Curator: As a materialist, I'm drawn to the methods and conditions of its creation. Glassblowing in the late 18th century wasn’t standardized like today. This mug, even in its apparent simplicity, represents skilled labor. Think about the furnace temperatures, the hand-eye coordination needed to achieve this shape. It's a direct result of human interaction with raw materials. Editor: So you see its value in the process, not necessarily the final design? Curator: Exactly! Consider the social context. Was this a luxury item or something more common? Who would have used it, and how does that inform our understanding of daily life then? Its transparent design and ridged detailing showcase evolving glassmaking technology. Were these ridges decorative, or did they serve a more utilitarian function, like grip or reinforcement? Editor: That's interesting. I hadn't thought about the ridges as anything other than decorative. So, you’re suggesting that even a seemingly mundane object like this reflects larger historical and economic forces? Curator: Absolutely. Material culture studies demonstrate that objects like this provide tangible links to the past. Each imperfection in the glass, each slight variation in the shape, tells a story about the artisan's skill and the limitations of their tools. Editor: That definitely gives me a new appreciation for something I might have overlooked. I see it as more than just a drinking vessel now; it is evidence of labor. Curator: Precisely! By analyzing its materials and production, we uncover a deeper understanding of 18th-century society, moving beyond art for the elite, towards a tangible experience for all.