Whiskey Mug

Art Historical Context

Step into the lively world of mid-19th-century American with this charming *Whiskey Mug*, crafted between 1850 and 1860. Made of pressed glass featuring the popular "diamond thumbprint" pattern—repeating diamond shapes with thumbprint-like indentations—this petite vessel stands just 2 7/8 inches tall, perfect for a quick of spirits. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1946 by Mrs. Emily Winthrop Miles, it now graces The American Wing, showcasing everyday elegance from a bygone era. Pressed glass revolutionized American tableware during the Industrial Revolution. Invented in the 1820s, the technique involved pressing molten glass into molds under high pressure, allowing factories to produce intricate, affordable designs that mimicked cut glass—once a luxury for the elite. The diamond thumbprint motif, with its tactile texture and sparkling facets, captured light beautifully, making even humble whiskey mugs feel festive. This unassuming mug reflects America's growing middle-class culture, where social drinking was a staple of gatherings. Its small size hints at portability for taverns or picnics, embodying the era's blend of utility and ornamentation. A testament to anonymous craftsmanship, it invites us to toast the ingenuity that democratized beauty.