Finger Bowl
ca. 1856–85
Medium
Blown lead glass
Dimensions
H. 2 1/16 in. (5.2 cm); D. 4 15/16 in. (12.5 cm)
Classification
Finger bowl
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Edwin M. Berol, 1978
Accession Number
1978.339.1
Art Historical Context
Nestled in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, this delicate *Finger Bowl* by Christian Dorflinger exemplifies-19th-century Americanmaking artistry. Crafted around 1856–85, the small vessel—standing just over 2 inches tall and 5 inches wide—served a practical yet elegant purpose in Victorian dining. Guests would rinse their fingers in scented water after meals, especially when enjoying fruits or shellfish, reflecting the era's emphasis on refined table manners and opulent hospitality. Made of blown lead glass, the bowl showcases a masterful technique where molten glass, infused wi...