Pint flask

Art Historical Context

This elegant pint flask, crafted by the Lancaster Glass Works between 1850 and 1860, exemplifies the vibrant American glassmaking tradition of the mid-nineteenth century. Standing just over six and a half inches tall, the vessel was created using free-blown molded aquamarine glass—a technique that combined the fluidity of hand-blowing with the efficiency of molds. The resulting soft blue-green hue, derived from natural iron impurities in the sand, gives the flask its distinctive, luminous quality. During this period, American glass factories like Lancaster produced practical yet decorative flasks for holding spirits, medicines, or household liquids. These objects reflect the nation’s growing industrial confidence and the democratization of everyday wares. Visitors to the Metropolitan Museum’s American Wing can appreciate how such pieces bridged utility and modest artistry, often featuring subtle patterns achieved through molding. Acquired through the bequest of Constance R. Brown in 1939, this flask offers a tangible connection to the ingenuity of early American artisans and the cultural role of glass in daily life.