New photography by Shannon Ruff captured with a digital camera-2006.

Fruit bowl

Manufacturer Unknown

Dateca. 1880

MediumBlown, applied, and tooled glass

DimensionsOverall: 8 7/8 in. (22.5 cm)
Overall, Rim: 4 5/8 x 11 1/2 in. (11.7 x 29.2 cm)

ClassificationsGlass

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.4288

Terms

Opalescent
Amber
Green
Stourbridge

On View

Not on view

DescriptionFruit bowl of blown oval opalescent glass with an applied crimped amber rim. The rim is pulled down on each end. Four amber root-like feet and applied large fruit: 2 plums, 2 cherries, a pear and an apple in appropriate colors from amber stems with green leaves.

Label TextFANCY GLASS This type of fanciful glass was the flamboyant response to a period of stringent regulation within the British glass industry. In 1745, England imposed a weight-based tax upon glass, resulting in the creation of smaller and moderately decorated pieces. The bureaucratic restrictions that followed for the next 100 years hampered creative growth and ultimately caused the British glass industry to lag behind in competition for foreign markets. To the delight of glassmakers and design reformers alike, the government repealed the glass excise in 1845. New channels of technological and artistic growth opened up for glassmakers. They were freed to experiment with colors, designs, and techniques-and were eager to show off their skills. Decorations included applied flowers and leaves made with pincers or stamping devices, ruffled or crimped rims, applied threading, and optical effects made from molds. The explosion of creativity yielded both majestic and ostentatious results. English Fruit Bowl, ca. 1880 Blown, applied, and tooled glass Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.4288