Pitcher and bowl, 1900-1920

Cut glass

An exhibition of cut glass at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876 attracted much attention. The glass became known as "brilliant" because of the way it caught the light and sparkled. Design motifs were made by deep cuts from a large abrasive wheel. To achieve the shine, the pieces were then polished. Similar bowls sold for around $8, and a similar water pitcher was advertised as costing $12. A dozen tumblers, or glasses, cut to match the pitcher could also be purchased for $12.

Bowl: Gift of Benjamin and Evangeline Hunter, Lebanon, IN (702830)
Pitcher: Gift of Mrs. Amos Richardson, Springfield, IL (1979.101.1)

Glass

© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96