Pitcher

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of 19th American tableware with this striking pitcher from the Boston & Glass Company, crafted around 1843–67. Standing at 9 inches tall with a 5½-inch diameter, this piece exemplifies the height of New England glassmaking during a time when U.S. factories rivaled European imports. The Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, in 1825 on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, was a in producing affordable yet sophisticated household goods, blending functionality with decorative flair. Made of blown and cut glass, the pitcher showcases masterful techniques: molten glass was first blown into shape for its fluid form, then meticulously cut with rotating wheels to create sparkling facets and patterns. This labor-intensive process added brilliance and depth, making it a coveted item for middle-class dining tables. Such vessels highlighted American innovation in glass production, free from the heavy taxes on imported luxury goods. Housed in The American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this pitcher (acquired through donor funds in 1967) reflects the cultural pride of antebellum America, where everyday objects became symbols of prosperity and craftsmanship. Visitors can appreciate how it captures the era's blend of utility and artistry.

About the Artist

Boston & Sandwich Glass Company · 1825–1888

The Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, a pioneering force in American glassmaking, was established in 1825 in Sandwich, Massachusetts, by visionary entrepreneur Deming Jarves, who had honed his expertise as an agent for the New England Glass Company in Cambridge. Jarves built the factory on the banks of the Cape Cod Canal, incorporating it formally the following year with Boston investors. Drawing o...