Celery Vase 1830 - 1870

The New England Glass Company crafted this celery vase from glass, sometime between 1818 and 1888. The clear glass and symmetrical design give a sense of clarity and order. Notice how the vertical ribs and rounded indentations create a play of light and shadow, a dance of form that both reveals and distorts. The structure of the vase, with its sturdy base, slender stem, and fluted cup, follows a classical form, yet the pressed glass technique allows for a standardized production. This interplay between classical design and industrial technique reflects the broader cultural shifts of the time. Is the vase simply a functional object or something more? The Celery Vase invites us to consider the relationships between art, industry, and society. It serves not merely as a container, but as a vessel for ideas, reflecting and shaping our understanding of beauty and value.