Goblet

Art Historical Context

This elegant goblet, crafted by the Boston & Sandwich Company between 1870 and 1880, exemplifies the height of American pressed glass production during the Gilded Age. Standing just under 6 inches tall, this petite vessel was designed for everyday table use, yet its molded patterns reflect the era's fascination with ornate, affordable luxury. The company, based in Sandwich, Massachusetts, was a leader in the industry from 1825 until its closure in 1888 pioneering techniques that democratized decorative glassware for middle-class households. Pressed glass, the goblet's medium, revolutionized American manufacturing through steam-powered machines that pressed molten glass into intricate molds. This innovation mimicked the sparkle of expensive cut glass but at a fraction of the cost, making it a symbol of industrial progress and national pride post-Civil War. Boston & Sandwich pieces often featured bold geometric or floral motifs, blending functionality with subtle artistry. Today, this goblet graces The American Wing at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, a gift from Mrs. Emily Winthrop Miles in 1946. It offers a tangible glimpse into 19th-century American domestic life, where ingenuity turned humble materials into cherished heirlooms.

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...