Sauce Dish 1870 - 1880

This green sauce dish was made by Adams and Company, though the exact date is unknown. It represents a fascinating intersection of industrial production and domestic life. In the 19th century, America witnessed a boom in glass manufacturing, with companies like Adams and Company at the forefront. Factories mass-produced glassware, making it accessible to a wider range of households. This object, while seemingly simple, speaks to a shift in social norms around dining and entertaining, reflecting the increasing availability of affordable goods. The visual style of the dish, with its delicate, rounded forms, hints at the desire to bring an element of refinement to everyday life. Understanding an object like this requires delving into social and economic histories. Archival records of glass manufacturers, trade catalogs, and even household inventories, can reveal insights into the daily lives of ordinary people and the evolving landscape of American industry. Ultimately, this sauce dish serves as a reminder that even the most commonplace objects can be powerful indicators of social change.