Pitcher 1881 - 1884

This pitcher was produced by Hobbs, Brockunier and Company, a glass manufacturer that operated during the late 19th century. Think about the context in which it was made; the United States was undergoing rapid industrialization, and glassmaking was becoming more mechanized. This piece reflects the era's fascination with opulence. Its dark body, speckled with gold, speaks to the aspirations of the growing middle class. But it also reminds us of the labor that went into creating such objects. What was the experience of the glassworkers, many of whom were immigrants, who toiled in often dangerous conditions? This pitcher encourages us to reflect on the relationship between craft, industry, and the human cost of production. It stands as a reminder of the complex social dynamics that shape the objects we use and admire.