Cup Plate

Art Historical Context

In the bustling households of mid-19th-century America, the humble cup plate served a practical yet elegant purpose: protecting fine table linens from drips and stains left by teacups. Dating from 1825–60, this example in lacy pressed glass exemplifies the arts of the era, crafted during a boom in American glassmaking spurred by the Industrial Revolution. like mold-pressing, pioneered around 1825 by innovators such as Deming Jarves at the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, allowed for intricate, lace-like patterns to be produced affordably, democratizing beauty for middle-class homes. The design, featuring motifs of houses amid delicate filigree, reflects the period's fascination with domesticity and architectural pride—evoking quaint New England villages or grander Federal-style residences. As part of The American Wing at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, gifted through the bequest of Anne Du Pont Peyton in 1944, this piece highlights the artistry of anonymous craftsmen who elevated everyday objects into cherished heirlooms. Lacy pressed glass, with its crisp geometric and floral motifs, remains a hallmark of early industrial design, blending utility with subtle opulence.