Celery vase c. 1835 - 1850

This is a celery vase by Bakewell, Pears and Company, an American glass manufacturer active in the 19th century. While it seems unassuming, this object offers a window into the social and economic landscape of its time. The vase reflects the growing industrialization of the United States, where advances in glassmaking allowed for the mass production of luxury items. Owning such a vase would have been a status symbol. It speaks to the aspirations of the burgeoning middle class of the time. Celery itself was a fashionable vegetable at the time, difficult to cultivate and therefore a signifier of wealth and taste. The vase embodies a shift in dining culture, from a more communal setting to individual place settings. Examining objects like this helps us understand the social dynamics, class distinctions, and consumer culture of 19th-century America. Further research into the company's records, as well as period etiquette guides and culinary history, can help us understand this further.