Hobnail Spooner 1887 - 1896

This "Hobnail Spooner" was crafted out of glass by Hobbs, Brockunier and Company. Notice the array of raised hemispherical elements that cover its surface. These hobnails aren’t merely decorative; they evoke a primal sense of protection and tactile interaction. Consider how similar motifs—raised dots or bosses—appear on ancient armor, shields, and even ritualistic objects across cultures. These repetitive, tactile elements can be seen as a manifestation of our need for security, resembling the protective scales of an animal or the textured surface of a seed pod promising new life. The hobnail motif may tap into our collective memory, triggering an unconscious association with protection and fertility. It’s a visual echo, resonating across time and cultures. An object, it seems, can transcend its mundane purpose, engaging us on a deeper, more profound level.