Bowl 1884 - 1893

This bowl was made in the United States, in the 19th century, by the New England Glass Company. The dark color and the quality of the glass suggest that this was made for a wealthy elite with new money to spend. The New England Glass Company was one of several large glass manufacturers in the Boston area. Boston was an important center of early American industrialization and capitalist culture. The company pioneered new technologies and types of glass. It also made cut glass for lamps, tableware, and decorative objects. This bowl reflects a culture of conspicuous consumption. Glassware like this bowl, which can still be viewed today in museums and private collections, offers a window into a society marked by increasing industrialization and growing inequality. By researching the company's records, we can also learn more about its labor practices and market strategies.