Wine Glass
Unknown Artist
1770–1820
Medium
Non-lead glass with engraved decoration
Dimensions
H. 4 in. (10.2 cm)
Classification
Wine glass
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. John Russel Hastings, 1937
Accession Number
37.106.1
Art Historical Context
This delicate wine glass, crafted between 1770 and 1820 by an unknown American artisan, exemplifies early American glassmaking traditions. Standing just 4 inches (10.2 cm) tall, it is made of non-lead glass—a practical choice in the colonies, where lead oxide (common in finer European glass) was scarce or expensive. The engraved decoration, likely featuring intricate motifs like florals or patriotic symbols, was achieved by scratching designs into the surface with a wheel or diamond point, creating frosted lines that catch the light beautifully. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Amer...