Lemonade Glass

Art Historical Context

This elegant lemonade glass, crafted around 1880 by the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, exemplifies the refined artistry of American glassmaking during the late nineteenth. Founded in 1825 in Sandwich, Massachusetts, the company became renowned for producing both functional and decorative wares that brought beauty to everyday life. Standing over five inches tall, the vessel was formed through the delicate process of blowing glass and then embellishing it with fine threads of molten glass—a technique that creates subtle raised patterns, here likely evoking the floral motifs noted in its design. The threading method not only added texture and visual interest but also demonstrated the skilled handiwork of Sandwich artisans, who combined utility with ornamentation. As a drinking glass intended for lemonade or other refreshments, it reflects the Victorian era’s appreciation for attractive tableware that elevated domestic rituals. Its presence in the Metropolitan Museum’s American Wing highlights the cultural importance of regional manufacturers in shaping a distinctly American aesthetic during a period of industrial growth. Donated to the museum in 1987, this modest yet charming object invites viewers to appreciate the ingenuity and grace found in nineteenth-century glass.

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...