Dish

Art Historical Context

This elegant glass dish, crafted by Boston & Sandwich Glass Company between 1828 and 1832, exemplifies early American ingenuity in decorative arts. Measuring 11⅛ inches long, ¾ inches wide, and2¼ inches high, oval form and likely pressed-glass construction made it a practical yet refined serving piece for 19th-century households. during the company's formative years—founded in 1825 in Sandwich, Massachusetts dish hails from a pivotal era when American glassmakers began rivaling European imports. The Boston & Sandwich Glass Company pioneered affordable pressed glass techniques, using steam-powered machinery to mold molten glass into intricate patterns with remarkable speed and precision. This innovation democratized luxury, allowing middle-class families access to ornate tableware previously reserved for the elite. Free from hand-blowing's limitations, pressed glass enabled bold designs and consistent quality, marking a shift toward industrial production in America. Displayed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, this dish—acquired through the Linda H. Kaufman Gift in 2015—highlights the cultural vibrancy of antebellum America. It reflects a growing national pride in domestic manufacturing, blending utility with subtle artistry in everyday life. Visitors will appreciate how such objects transformed ordinary meals into moments of quiet elegance.

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...