Zalto

I find objects on the extreme end of the Apollonian-Dionysian spectrum extremely interesting. Take for instance, the ultimate Apollonian entity: the Zalto Denk’Art Universal wine glass.

Not only is it so stylized that it is effectively the exact opposite of natural, it’s massive expense and thus exclusivity also make it highly Apollonian.

More interestingly, wine is the ultimate Dionysian entity, even if you split it from being literally the symbol of Dionysus. Liquid and thus a-formic. From nature and, more importantly, natural decay. It gives a high. It promotes sex and ribaldry in many forms.

Even though I’m part of it, wine fandom is a humorously futile attempt to reign in the Dionysian liquor and fit it into an Apollonian box with its terroir, appellations, purity, laws, tasting notes, sommeliers, and (dare I say it) pretension.

The Zalto though, with its highly stylized, austere straight lines and sharp angles, it’s perfectly clear crystal, it’s rigidity — the completely anti-Dionysian entity — has the sole purpose of reigning in the Dionysian liquid. To fit nature into perfect boxes. Not only is it Apollonian, but an Apollonian evangelist at that!

Which makes breaking one, and spilling the wine, the ultimate Dionysian feat.