Tumbler

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, this petite *Tumbler* (H. 3 7/8.) from Hobbs, Brockunier Company, crafted after 1886, exemplifies the of late 19th-century American glass. Made of pressed cranberry and opalescent glass—a vibrant red-tinted material with an iridescent sheen that in the light—this drinking glass was designed for everyday use yet boasts the elegance of fine art. Donated by Mrs. Emilythrop Miles in 194, it reflects the era's blend of functionality and ornamentation. Hobbs, Brockunier and Company, based in Wheeling, West Virginia, were pioneers in pressed glass techniques, which allowed for intricate designs molded under pressure for efficiency and affordability. This method democratized beauty, bringing luxurious tableware to middle-class American homes during the post-Civil War industrial boom. The combination of cranberry glass—popularized for its jewel-like glow—and opalescent effects created a mesmerizing play of color, highlighting the company's innovative contributions to decorative arts. As a modest yet striking artifact, the tumbler captures the cultural shift toward accessible luxury in Gilded Age America, where glassmakers like Hobbs elevated the ordinary into the extraordinary. Visitors will appreciate its subtle sparkle, a testament to American craftsmanship at its most approachable.

About the Artist

Hobbs, Brockunier and Company · 1863–1891

**J. H. Hobbs, Brockunier and Company**, a pioneering American glass manufacturer, traces its origins to 1845 when John L. Hobbs and James B. Barnes, both former supervisory employees at the prestigious New England Glass Company in Massachusetts, leased the idle South Wheeling Glass Works in what is now Wheeling, West Virginia. After several reorganizations amid partner changes—including the addit...