Plate

Art Historical Context

This delicate plate, crafted around 1885 by an unknown artist, exemplifies the refined glassmaking traditions of the late Victorian era Measuring just 5 inches in diameter it features a lustrous satin green surface combined with white opaque glass, through free-blowing techniques that allowed artisans to create thin, elegant forms. The satin finish—produced by acid-etching the glass for a soft, velvety texture—was a hallmark of mid-to-late 19th innovation, prized for its subtle iridescence and resistance to fingerprints. In the context of British decorative arts, such pieces were popular for tableware and domestic ornaments, reflecting the era's Aesthetic Movement emphasis on beauty in everyday objects. Though housed in The American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art—thanks to a generous 1946 gift from Mrs. Emily Winthrop Miles—this plate highlights transatlantic exchanges in design, as Victorian glass styles influenced American manufacturers. Its opaque white accents add a striking contrast, evoking the naturalism and jewel-like tones beloved in the period. Visitors will appreciate this small treasure as a window into artisanal skill, where humble utility meets artistic elegance, preserving a slice of 19th-century refinement.