Tumbler 1824 - 1827

This is a tumbler, probably made of molded glass, by Deming Jarves, who lived from 1790 to 1863. Jarves was an American glass manufacturer, and he was instrumental in bringing new glassmaking techniques to the United States. Glass production in the 19th century was increasingly industrialized, and molded glass like this was a way to mass-produce decorative objects for the home. The design, with its repeating patterns, evokes a sense of luxury. The rise of industrialization transformed not just manufacturing but also the social and economic structures of the time. Glassware like this, once a luxury, became accessible to a wider segment of the population. As historians, we can look at census records, trade catalogs, and other historical documents to better understand the social and economic context in which this tumbler was made and used. The meaning and value of this object are contingent on its historical context, reflecting broader social and economic changes.