Footed Bowl 1850 - 1870

This footed bowl was made out of glass by the New England Glass Company sometime between 1818 and 1888. The rise of American glassmaking in the 19th century reflects the country's broader economic and industrial expansion. This bowl is an example of pressed glass, a technique that allowed for mass production and affordability. Before this innovation, glass items like this were luxury items, but here we see a factory finding a way to bring glass products to the middle classes. The diamond pattern is not only decorative but also a design that would have been relatively simple to produce. Objects like this offer us a glimpse into the democratization of taste and consumption during this period. Further research into the company’s records, advertising, and distribution networks would reveal its role in shaping American consumer culture and democratizing access to luxury goods in the 19th century.