Curtain Knob c. 19th century

This curtain knob, of unknown date, was made by an anonymous maker from glass and metal. Its sleek and bulbous form is both functional and visually appealing. The knob's material qualities - its transparency, reflectivity, and smooth surface - give it a delicate yet substantial presence. The glass was likely blown, a process involving skilled craftsmanship, to achieve this elegant shape. The metal component, probably die-cast, provides durability and a secure fixing. Objects like this highlight the intersection of design, industry, and everyday life. Mass-produced items often go unnoticed, yet they embody the social and economic conditions of their time. This curtain knob invites us to consider the labor, resources, and technologies involved in creating even the most commonplace objects, challenging the idea that artistic value resides only in unique or high art forms.