Well, the article goes on to note the kosher aspect of glass, "If a piece of pork makes contact with ceramic - you've invalidated the plate and have to destroy it. But if glass comes into contact with the ham, wash the plate and you're good to go. So the Jewish people have a religious reason to desire glass." Maybe it was a buffet table?
I read that
But you don’t eat off a 9 ton plate
The only way that argument makes sense is it is a sacrificial alter for large animals