Cruet 1870 - 1890

This cruet was produced by Adams and Company, using glass. The pale green color and delicate form suggest it was made for serving oil or vinegar, perhaps at an elegant dinner. But what interests me most is the process by which it was made. The regular, repeating pattern was likely achieved through machine pressing - a technique developed during the industrial revolution to mass produce glassware. In the nineteenth century, manufacturers like Adams and Company sought to capitalize on the demand for affordable homewares. Machine pressing allowed them to create decorative objects quickly and cheaply, making them accessible to a wider market. Though it may appear precious, this cruet represents the democratization of design, achieved through technological innovation. Its beauty lies not only in its form, but in its connection to the wider social and economic changes of its time. It’s a reminder that even the most humble objects can tell a rich story about labor, politics, and consumption.