Tumbler 1850 - 1860

This tumbler was created out of glass by the New England Glass Company, but its date of production is unknown. The geometric design may have been intended as a functional aid to grip, but it's also an aesthetic choice that reflects the values of its historical context. During the 19th century, industrialization transformed the American economy. Glass factories like the New England Glass Company mass-produced items for a growing consumer culture. These objects became accessible to a wider range of people, beyond the elite. The diamond pattern creates a play of light and shadow, adding visual interest to an everyday object. Such details elevated the tumbler from mere utility to a decorative piece, reflecting a rising middle class that valued both function and beauty in their domestic lives. The New England Glass Company was a major player in this shift, but it was also an institution that employed immigrant labor. Understanding its history also means researching labor practices and the social dynamics of the time. In the end, the interpretation of art is contingent on social and institutional context.