Covered bowl

Art Historical Context

This elegant covered bowl, crafted from glass between 1880 and 1900, exemplifies the refined artistry of the Arts of the Americas. Measuring 32 × 18 cm (12½ × 7 in.), its compact form suggests a multifunctional vessel, ideal for storing precious spices, grains, or confections in a household setting. The anonymous artist's mastery of glass—a material prized for its transparency and versatility—highlights techniques like blowing or molding that were advancing in late 19th-century American workshops, allowing for delicate shapes and luminous finishes. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department of Arts of the Americas, this piece reflects the cultural crossroads of the era, when indigenous traditions intertwined with European influences in glass production across North and South America. Covered bowls like this one were not mere utilitarian objects; they served as status symbols in domestic life, showcasing craftsmanship that blended functionality with subtle decoration. Though the creator remains unknown, the bowl's survival underscores the enduring appeal of glass vessels, which captured light and color in ways that evoked the natural world. Visitors will appreciate its quiet sophistication, a window into everyday artistry from a transformative period in American material culture.