Lemonade Glass

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of late 19th-century American tableware with this delicate *Lemonade Glass* from Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, crafted around 1880. Nestled in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, this petite vessel—measuring just 5 3/4 x 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 inches—exemplifies the company's expertise in producing refined, functional glass for everyday luxury. A generous gift from Mrs. Pierre Brunschwig in 1987, it captures the charm of Victorian-era domestic life, where such glasses held refreshing lemonade during summer gatherings. Masterfully made from blown glass with threaded details, the piece showcases traditional techniques honed by the Sandwich factory, operational from 1825 to 1888 in Massachusetts. Blown glass involved shaping molten silica through skillful blowing and tooling, while threading—likely referring to applied glass threads—added decorative flair, perhaps enhancing handles or rims. Adorned with floral motifs, it reflects the era's passion for nature-inspired patterns, blending utility with subtle artistry. As a hallmark of American glassmaking's golden age, this tumbler highlights the shift toward domestic production, rivaling European imports. It invites us to appreciate not just its sparkle, but the craftsmanship that brightened American homes. (198 words)

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...