Covered Sugar Bowl 1835 - 1850

This covered sugar bowl was made by the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company sometime in the 19th century. It is a fine example of pressed glass, a technique that revolutionized glassmaking in the United States. Before this innovation, glass tableware was an expensive luxury. But with the advent of industrialization, companies like Boston and Sandwich mass-produced affordable glassware. This seemingly humble sugar bowl speaks volumes about the social and economic transformations of the era. The rise of a middle class with aspirations to own decorative objects is a key aspect of its cultural context. Moreover, the availability of sugar itself was deeply intertwined with the history of colonialism and slavery. Art historians examine company records, design books, and period advertisements, to uncover the complex story behind this object. This helps us better understand the social conditions that shape artistic production.