Spoon Holder 1870 - 1890

This spoon holder was made by Adams and Company, a glass manufacturer active in the United States in the late 19th century. At the time, pressed glass was becoming increasingly popular as industrialization made it easier to mass-produce. This, in turn, made decorative items more affordable for the middle class. The design of the spoon holder, with its repetitive patterns, reflects the mechanization of production, and it speaks to the democratization of taste and the shift away from handmade luxury items. These spoon holders became ubiquitous in American households, adorning tables and sideboards as symbols of domesticity and refinement. Considering the wider social and economic context helps us understand not only its aesthetic qualities but also its cultural significance as a marker of changing social norms. By delving into historical records such as trade catalogs, company archives, and period publications, we gain deeper insights into the spoon holder and the era in which it was made.