Champagne Glass c. 19th century

This champagne glass, of unknown date and maker, is an object made from humble materials - sand, soda ash, lime – heated to a molten state, and then shaped. Consider how the material influences the appearance of the object. Glass has an inherent fragility, but also optical qualities. The maker has capitalized on both. The thinness of the walls conveys delicacy, while the clarity of the material allows light to pass through, illuminating the contents. The ribs at the base of the cup add a further dimension, distorting the light in an attractive way. Champagne is a drink associated with celebration, success, and luxury. But the making of such an object, like so many others in our daily lives, depends on a complex system of extraction, manufacturing, and distribution. The glass stands as a reminder that even the most beautiful things are made possible by labor, politics, and consumption.