Footed goblet with bulging bowl by Philip Webb

Footed goblet with bulging bowl

Philip Webb · 1860

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“This goblet, designed by Philip Webb, showcases the simple elegance and handcrafted appeal characteristic of the early Arts and Crafts movement, bringing artistry to everyday objects.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This footed goblet, with its distinctive bulging bowl, presents a striking example of Philip Webb's work with glass. Created in 1860, the year he started his own practice, it reflects the burgeoning Arts and Crafts movement's emphasis on handcrafted objects and functional beauty. The goblet's simple yet elegant form, made from flint glass, highlights the material's inherent qualities, allowing light to play across its smooth surfaces. Its sturdy foot and generous bowl suggest a piece designed for everyday use, elevating the ordinary through thoughtful design. This object embodies the movement's ideal of bringing artistry to domestic life, a principle Webb shared with his collaborators William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones.

DETAILS
Artist
Philip Webb
Date
1860
Medium
Flint glass
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions
Overall (confirmed): 4 3/4 × 3 3/8 × 3 3/8 in. (12.1 × 8.6 × 8.6 cm)
Collection
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Culture
British, London
Credit line
Funds from various donors, 2015
ART MOVEMENTS
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What to Notice

Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Footed goblet with bulging bowl
01

The distinctive bulge of the bowl, a unique design choice.

02

The clarity and subtle gleam of the flint glass.

03

The sturdy, unadorned foot supporting the goblet.

04

The overall balance and tactile quality of the form.

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THE ARTIST

Philip Webb

1831–1915 · United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

Philip Webb, often called the 'Father of Arts and Crafts Architecture,' designed William Morris's iconic Red House and championed the preservation of ancient buildings.

Read Webb’s full story
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