Cordial glass c. 1870

This miniature cordial glass set of unknown origin, now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, captures the eye with its intricate symmetry and contrasting materials. The box itself, constructed from patterned wood, opens to reveal a geometrically arranged collection of delicate glass bottles and cups, enhanced with gilded detail. The entire composition can be viewed as a self-contained world, a structured display that emphasizes order and control. The formal arrangement of the glassware within its wooden enclosure suggests a carefully constructed social ritual, where each element has its designated place and purpose. Consider how the set's design challenges traditional notions of display and function. By miniaturizing and containing what is typically part of a convivial social ritual, the artist prompts us to contemplate the meaning of luxury, social performance, and the aesthetics of everyday life. This curated collection becomes not just a set of objects but a statement about value, taste, and the performance of social identity.