Figure Dish 1880 - 1890

This delightful "Figure Dish" was made by McKee and Brothers sometime in the 19th century, using pressed glass. Milk glass like this was popular because it could be made in a mold, which held the molten glass while it cooled. This allowed for relatively quick, consistent production. Note the way the glass takes on the texture of the mold itself. The visual effect is striking. The opaque white color gives the dish an almost ethereal quality, while the smooth, slightly glossy surface invites touch. The rabbit form, frozen in place, appears as if it were sculpted from pure light. These kinds of candy dishes were made to be affordable luxury items for the growing middle class. The mold-making process allowed manufacturers to imitate more expensive cut glass and ceramics. When we understand the social context of this object, we can fully appreciate the way it blurred the boundaries between craft, industrial production, and fine art.