Bottle
Unknown Artist
ca. 1760
Medium
Opaque glass with enamel decoration
Dimensions
H. 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm)
Classification
Bottle
Culture
British
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Mrs. J. Insley Blair, 1951
Accession Number
52.77.42
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate bottle, crafted around 1760 by an unknown British artist, exemplifies the artistry of 18th-century European glassmaking. Standing just 3⅜ inches tall, it is made of opaque glass—often likened to milk glass for its soft, creamy translucency—and adorned with vibrant enamel decorations featuring floral motifs. These painted enamels, fired onto the surface for a durable, jewel-like finish, capture the Rococo era's love for elegant, nature-inspired ornamentation, making such small luxury items popular among the elite. Produced in Britain during a period of expanding transatlantic tra...