Candlestick

Art Historical Context

This delicate candlestick, crafted by the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company around 1827–1835, exemplifies the innovative spirit of early American glassmaking. Standing just five inches tall, it was produced using the lacy pressed glass technique—a groundbreaking method that allowed intricate, lace-like patterns to be mechanically pressed into molten glass. The result was an affordable yet ornate object that brought elegance to American homes during the early nineteenth century. The Sandwich factory, founded in Massachusetts in 1825, played a pivotal role in democratizing decorative arts. By perfecting pressed glass, the company helped shift production from expensive hand-blown or cut crystal to widely accessible designs that mimicked finer European styles. This candlestick reflects that transition, showcasing delicate motifs that catch the light beautifully while remaining sturdy enough for everyday use. Today housed in the Metropolitan Museum’s American Wing, the piece highlights how industrial ingenuity shaped American material culture. Its gift in 1951 by Mrs. Charles W. Green further underscores the enduring appreciation for these early experiments in mass-produced beauty.

About the Artist

Boston & Sandwich Glass Company · 1825–1888

The Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, a pioneering force in American glassmaking, was established in 1825 in Sandwich, Massachusetts, by visionary entrepreneur Deming Jarves, who had honed his expertise as an agent for the New England Glass Company in Cambridge. Jarves built the factory on the banks of the Cape Cod Canal, incorporating it formally the following year with Boston investors. Drawing o...