Pitcher c. 1835

This glass pitcher was made by the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company, active between 1825 and 1888. The company was known for its mass production of pressed glass, which made decorative glassware affordable to a wider segment of the American population. The pitcher's design, with its intricate patterns, reflects a tension between handcrafted aesthetics and industrial manufacturing. It imitates the cut-glass designs that were fashionable at the time, but which were much more expensive and time-consuming to produce. By examining company records, design catalogs, and period advertisements, we can learn about the market forces and consumer tastes that shaped the production of this pitcher. The study of material culture, like this glass pitcher, gives us insights into the social and economic life of 19th-century America. It’s a reminder that even everyday objects can tell us a great deal about the past.