Wine glass c. 1830

This selection of drinking glasses was made by an anonymous glassmaker. Drinking glasses are often overlooked, but they offer an interesting insight into social rituals, like toasting, feasting, and sharing. The diamond cut designs on these glasses are especially interesting. Diamond cutting was popularized in the 19th century, particularly in Britain, and became a symbol of wealth. These designs may have appeared in the context of global trade. Glass manufacturing developed as international trading networks offered access to new techniques, designs, and raw materials. Drinking glasses are not only practical objects, but also carriers of meaning. As historians, we might analyze the design, the material, and the cultural context of these glasses to understand more about the society that produced them.