Tumbler c. 1830 - 1870

This "Tumbler" was made at an unknown time, by an anonymous artist, from glass. The simplicity of form and the anonymity of its maker invites questions about the relationship between design, craft, and mass production. This object stands as a testament to the shifting dynamics of labor and artistry. Was this tumbler created in a factory setting, reflecting the rise of industrial manufacturing? Or perhaps it was the work of an individual artisan, preserving traditional glassblowing techniques? Its aesthetic simplicity also speaks volumes about the cultural values and economic structures of its time. Does it represent a democratizing force, making beautiful objects accessible to a wider population? Or does it serve as a subtle marker of social status, with the quality and color of the glass signaling the owner's place in the social hierarchy? To truly understand this unassuming vessel, one might delve into historical records, trade catalogs, and accounts of daily life. This tumbler reminds us that meaning is never inherent, but always emerges from the complex interplay between objects, people, and institutions.