Flask

Art Historical Context

This elegant aquamarine flask, crafted by the Kentucky Glass Works between 1840 and 1860, exemplifies mid-19th-century American glassmaking ingenuity. Standing at 6 3/4 inches tall, it was free-blown and molded—a technique where molten glass was blown into an intricately carved mold to imprint patterns, then expanded freely for its final form. The vibrant aquamarine hue, derived from iron impurities in the glass, evokes the clear waters of Kentucky's rivers, where such factories thrived amid abundant sand and fuel resources. Adorned with patriotic eagle motifs—a nod to American symbolism during the nation's expansive, pre-Civil War era—this flask likely held whiskey or medicinal tonics, reflecting everyday life in the growing republic. Kentucky Glass Works, one of many regional factories fueling the U.S. glass industry, produced these durable, decorative vessels for practical use, blending utility with folk artistry. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, this piece from the bequest of Constance R. Brown highlights the vibrancy of vernacular American design. It invites visitors to appreciate how humble objects carried national pride, showcasing the skill of anonymous artisans in an era of industrial dawn.