Wine glass

Art Historical Context

This elegant wine glass, crafted by the Jersey Glass Company George Dummer between 1824 and 1835, exemplifies early American glassmaking prowess. Standing just under 5 inches tall with a 2⅞-inch diameter, it was produced using the blown and cut glass technique—a labor-intensive process where molten glass is blown into shape and then meticulously cut with wheels to create intricate patterns, facets, and sparkle. This method, popular in the early 19th century, everyday tableware into objects of luxury and refinement. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, the glass reflects a burgeoning U.S. industry spurred by trade embargoes and tariffs that encouraged domestic production over European imports. New Jersey emerged as a hub for such glassworks, with artisans like those at Dummer's company mastering techniques once dominated by Britain and Ireland. Cut glass symbolized status in middle- and upper-class homes, often gracing formal dinners. Gifted to the Met in 2012 by Solomon Grossman, this delicate piece invites us to appreciate the skill of American craftsmen during a transformative era, blending functionality with subtle artistry in everyday life.