Salt Caster 1885 - 1888

This pressed-glass salt caster was made by the Richards and Hartley Flint Glass Company, sometime between 1867 and 1890. The subtle green color of the glass is due to the addition of uranium oxide in the molten mixture, giving it a delicate, almost ethereal quality. The pattern consists of raised hemispherical bosses, which create a tactile, gem-like surface. These were achieved by pressing the molten glass into a mold, a technique that revolutionized glass production in the 19th century. The metal lid with its perforated design completes the object, allowing for controlled dispensing of salt. Pressed glass like this was born of industrialization, designed to mimic the intricate cut-glass favored by the wealthy, but made accessible to a wider market. It is a testament to human ingenuity and the democratization of design, blurring boundaries between art, craft, and industry.