Bowl
Unknown Artist
after 1885
Medium
Blown satin blue glass
Dimensions
H. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm); Diam. 9 3/8 in. (23.8 cm)
Classification
Bowl
Culture
American or British
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Emily Winthrop Miles, 1946
Accession Number
46.140.206
Art Historical Context
This elegant satin glass bowl, created by an unknown artist after 5, exemplifies the refined decorative arts of the late 19th century. Measuring just 3¼ inches high and 9⅜ inches in diameter, its shallow, wide form suggests it served as an ornamental centerpiece or fruit dish. The striking satin blue hue comes from a specialized technique: the glass was first hand-blown into shape, then treated with hydrofluoric acid to create soft, frosted "satin" finish. This matte texture diffuses light beautifully, lending the bowl a velvety glow that was highly prized in Victorian-era households. Likely ...