Vase
1884–88
Medium
Blown Agata glass
Dimensions
H. 7 in. (17.8 cm); Diam. 3 in. (7.6 cm)
Classification
Vase
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John P. Hollihan III, in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent F. Apicella, 1992
Accession Number
1992.148.2
Art Historical Context
This delicate vase, crafted by the New England Glass Company between 1884 and 1888, exemplifies the height of American glassmaking innovation in the late 19 century. Standing just 7 inches tall with a 3-inch diameter it was formed through the free-blown technique using Agata glass—a specialty medium that creates mesmerizing, swirling patterns reminiscent of polished agate stone. The company's skilled artisans layered vibrant colors during the blowing process, achieving a luminous, marbled effect that highlights both technical precision and aesthetic beauty. Founded in 1818 in East Cambridge, ...
About the Artist
New England Glass Company · 1818–1888
**The New England Glass Company: Pioneers of American Flint Glass** The New England Glass Company was established on February 16, 1818, in East Cambridge, Massachusetts, by a quartet of prominent local businessmen: Amos Binney, Edmund Munroe, Daniel Hastings, and Deming Jarves. Jarves, drawing on his dry goods background and talent for recruiting Europe's finest cutters, served as operational man...