Vase
Unknown Artist
ca. 1860
Medium
Blown overlay opaque white and clear red glass
Dimensions
H. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm)
Classification
Vase
Culture
British, probably
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Jerome Gratenstein, 1973
Accession Number
1973.343.4
Art Historical Context
This exquisite vase, dating to around 1860, exemplifies the glassmaking traditions of Victorian Britain. Standing at 9 1/2 inches tall, it features a striking blown overlay technique, where layers of opaque white glass are applied over clear red glass during the blowing process. This method created vibrant contrasts and intricate patterns, showcasing the artisan's skill in manipulating molten glass to achieve both durability and decorative elegance. Crafted during a period of industrial innovation in British glass production, the vase reflects the era's fascination with colorful, layered glas...