Compote on Stand
Medium
Pressed lead glass
Dimensions
21.3 × 21 cm (8 3/8 × 8 1/4 in.)
Classification
compote
Department
Arts of the Americas
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
158475
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This type of flared openwork bowl was popular in the United States in the 1830s; it imitates both French porcelain compotes that were exported to America and those made in Philadelphia at the Tucker Porcelain Works. Most likely made to hold fruit, this bold, lavish object—a very early example of American pressed glass—would have served as a dynamic centerpiece on a table or sideboard.