Salt
Unknown Artist
1830–40
Medium
Lacy pressed glass
Dimensions
1 3/4 x 3 1/4 x 1 5/8 in. (4.4 x 8.3 x 4.1 cm)
Classification
Salt
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
51.171.195
Art Historical Context
In the early 19th century, households embraced the elegance of lacy pressed glass, a product of the nation's burgeoning glass industry. This delicate salt cellar, titled *Salt* and dating from 1830–40, exemplifies the style with its intricate, lace-like patterns molded into the glass. Measuring just 1 3/4 x 3 1/4 x 1 5/8 inches, it served as a dainty table accessory for holding salt during meals—a luxury item made accessible to middle-class families. The medium, lacy pressed glass, marked a technological leap forward. Invented around 1827 by Boston craftsmen, the pressing technique used metal...