Cup plate

Art Historical Context

This delicate cup plate, crafted by the Fort Pitt Glass Works in Pittsburgh between 1830 and 1835, exemplifies the rise of American pressed glass during the early 19th century. Measuring just 3 13/16 inches in diameter, these small saucers were designed to hold teacups between sips, protecting fine table linens from drips—a practical innovation in middle-class households amid America's growing tea culture. Pressed glass, the medium here, revolutionized glassmaking with its use of metal molds and hydraulic presses, allowing mass production of intricate designs at affordable prices. Fort Pitt, one of Pittsburgh's pioneering factories in this "Glass City," helped fuel the young nation's industrial boom, shifting from imported European luxury to homegrown elegance. Though simple in form, the plate's molded patterns reflect the era's fascination with neoclassical motifs, blending utility with subtle ornamentation. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of the Americas department, this piece captures a snapshot of everyday refinement, highlighting how technological advances democratized beauty for American families. A charming relic of domestic life!