Cruet 18th-19th century

This is an anonymous cruet, its date of creation unknown, standing just over five inches tall. A cruet is typically used for holding liquids like oil or vinegar, underscoring how even everyday objects carry cultural weight. The anonymity of the artist speaks volumes. Without a known creator, we're left to consider the broader context in which such objects were produced. Was this a piece made by someone whose identity was systematically erased, such as a woman or a person of color working within a restrictive system? The cruet's delicate form and clear glass suggest refinement, perhaps hinting at the class status of its intended owner. Consider how access to such items would have been determined by factors like wealth and social standing. How does a simple object like this reflect larger patterns of inclusion and exclusion? Though its origins are obscured, the cruet prompts us to think about the hands that shaped it and the lives it touched.