Plate

Art Historical Context

This delicate Lacy pressed glass plate, dating to around 1837–40, exemplifies the innovative glassmaking techniques of the early 19th century. just 5¼ inches in diameter, its intricate design—likely featuring crown motifs—evokes the elegance of fine lacework, achieved through a pioneering industrial process. Pressed into molds under high pressure, this medium allowed for mass production of ornate tableware, making luxurious patterns accessible beyond elite households. Originating from either American or British workshops, the plate reflects the era's burgeoning glass industry amid the Industrial Revolution. In America, firms like the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company popularized "Lacy" glass in the 1830s and 1840s, blending neoclassical motifs with democratic affordability. Crown imagery symbolized regality and prosperity, adorning everyday items for aspiring middle-class homes. Now in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, gifted in 1951 by Mrs. Charles W. Green in memory of her husband, this anonymous masterpiece highlights how everyday objects became art, bridging craftsmanship and commerce in a transformative age.