Hurricane Shade

Art Historical Context

Welcome to The American Wing, where *Hurricane Shade* (ca. 1800–1830) illuminates the ingenuity of early 19th craftsmanship. This elegant lighting accessory, crafted from blown glass, pottery, and, stands 16¾ inches tall with a 6-inch diameter Its delicate glass chimney, designed to shield candle or oil lamp flames from drafts—earning the evocative "hurricane" name—reflects the practical beauty of pre-electric era home lighting. Produced anonymously by American or British artisans, the piece showcases masterful blown-glass techniques, where molten glass is shaped by breath and tools into translucent forms that diffuse light softly. The pottery base and metal fittings add stability and durability, blending functionality with subtle ornamentation suited to Federal or Regency interiors. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1926, this artifact at the Metropolitan Museum of Art highlights the era's growing demand for refined household goods amid industrialization. It evokes cozy parlors where such shades cast a steady, romantic glow, symbolizing comfort and status in a world lit by flame.