Decanter c. 1937

This is Francis Law Durand's design drawing for a decanter, made with graphite and watercolor. The drawing shows a decanter made of glass, a material prized for its ability to be shaped with incredible precision. Glassblowing, the process of inflating molten glass into a bubble, requires years of practice to master. The decanter's form, with its fluted body and ornate stopper, is reminiscent of classical designs. The regularity of the fluting suggests it would have been made by industrial means, such as pressing the molten glass into a mold. This would have allowed for mass production, making luxury items like decanters more accessible to a wider range of consumers. Durand's design drawing reflects the changing landscape of design and production in the late 19th century. It emphasizes the blurring lines between craft, design, and industrial manufacturing.