"Jumbo"/Elephant pattern spoon rack 1883 - 1885

"Jumbo", a glass spoon rack designed by the Canton Glass Company, is a unique and decorative example of 19th-century American glassmaking. The piece features a clear glass base with a central platform, and a clear glass elephant figure on top. The elephant is a popular motif in American glassmaking, referencing the popularity of P.T. Barnum’s circus in the 19th century. The spoon rack is a whimsical and functional piece that would have been a welcome addition to any Victorian household. The Art Institute of Chicago holds this piece in their collection, which showcases the artistry and ingenuity of American glassmakers during the Industrial Revolution.