Bottle
Unknown Artist
1800–1830
Medium
Blown pattern-molded glass
Dimensions
H. 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm)
Classification
Bottle
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Constance R. Brown, 1939
Accession Number
40.150.83
Art Historical Context
This delicate bottle, crafted by an unknown American artist between 1800 and 1830, exemplifies the ingenuity of early 19th glassmaking in the United States. Standing just 3 3/8 inches (8.6 cm) tall, it created using the blown pattern-molded glass technique—a innovative method where molten glass is blown into a mold engraved with intricate patterns, imparting textured designs like ribs or diamonds without the expense of hand-cutting. This approach allowed artisans to produce affordable yet elegant decorative objects, bridging utility and artistry during the young nation's Federal period. House...