Jug

Art Historical Context

This elegant jug, crafted around 1865 by the Boston Silver Glass Company, exemplifies the inventive spirit of American glassmaking in the mid-nineteenth century. Standing just seven inches tall, the piece combines free-blown colorless glass with a silvered interior that creates a shimmering, mirror-like effect, while its pewter mounts add a touch of refined durability. Produced in an era when industrial advances made decorative household items more accessible, the jug reflects a growing American appreciation for elegant yet practical tableware. The silvering technique, achieved by introducing metallic compounds into the glass before it cooled, allowed artisans to mimic the luxurious appearance of solid silver at a fraction of the cost. As part of the Metropolitan Museum’s American Wing collection, this work highlights the Boston Silver Glass Company’s contributions to a burgeoning domestic industry that blended European traditions with Yankee ingenuity. Acquired through the Friends of the American Wing Fund in 1983, the jug invites visitors to appreciate both its technical sophistication and its place within the story of everyday American design.