Figure Dish 1880 - 1890

This opaque white glass dish, in the form of a cat nestled in a basket, was made by McKee and Brothers in the late 19th century. It is an example of “pressed glass,” a technique that emerged in the United States, driven by a desire to produce decorative objects quickly and affordably. The process involved molten glass being forced into a mold, allowing for intricate designs to be replicated with great speed. Milk glass, like that seen here, was particularly popular due to its resemblance to porcelain, a more expensive material. This piece demonstrates the ingenuity of American manufacturers, who embraced mechanization to bring stylish objects to a wider audience. Consider the labor involved: skilled workers operating the pressing machines, carefully controlling the molten glass. Through this combination of technical innovation, material, and human effort, the Figure Dish became a small emblem of a rapidly industrializing society, blurring the lines between art, craft, and mass production.