Celery Vase 1862 - 1865

This clear glass celery vase was crafted by the Portland Glass Company between 1864 and 1873, a period marked by significant industrial expansion in the United States. During this era, glassmaking became increasingly mechanized, allowing for the mass production of decorative items for the burgeoning middle class. This vase, while seemingly simple, embodies the complex interplay of industrial progress and social aspiration. Celery, now a common vegetable, was once a luxury item, and its presentation in an elegant vase signaled a certain level of affluence and social status. The delicate floral patterns etched into the glass reflect a Victorian sensibility, where nature was idealized and domesticity was celebrated. Yet, this celebration of home life often obscured the labor and resources required to maintain it. The Portland Glass Company, like many industries of the time, likely relied on immigrant labor, whose stories and contributions are often overlooked in narratives of American prosperity. Consider how this vase, in its quiet elegance, encapsulates both the achievements and the inequalities of its time.