Plate

Unknown Artist

1830–45

Plate by Unknown Artist

Medium

Lacy pressed glass

Dimensions

Diam. 6 1/8 in. (15.6 cm)

Classification

Plate

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Gift of Mrs. Charles W. Green, in memory of Dr. Charles W. Green, 1951

Accession Number

51.171.85

Art Historical Context

This delicate Lacy pressed glass plate, crafted in America between 1830 and1845, exemplifies the ingenuity of early industrial glassmaking. Measuring just 6⅛ inches in diameter, was designed for everyday use—perhaps serving desserts or small confections—yet its intricate, lace-like patterns elevated it to a status symbol for the growing middle class. The "lacy" effect, achieved through finely detailed molds, mimicked the elegance of handmade lace or cut glass, making luxury accessible without the high cost of traditional techniques. Lacy pressed glass emerged during a pivotal era in American ...

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