Images(9)

Compote

Dateca. 1815

Maker Thomas Cains

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Boston

MediumGlass, gilding, enamel

DimensionsOverall: 9 × 7 1/2in. (22.9 × 19.1cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, Michael L. Westfall in Memory of Susan K. Westfall

Object number2021-33

DescriptionFooted glass punch bowl with hot-worked tooled and applied rings; decorated with enameled birds within a landscape encircling the object; gold leaf provides the base for the painted enamel birds; the applied rings with traces of original gilding.
Label TextBritish and American glass scholars have attributed this handsome object to Thomas Cains. Cains came from a glass manufacturing family in Bristol, England, but moved to America in the early years of the 19th century, working at the South Boston Flint Glass Works and establishing the Phoenix Glass Works. He brought with him his glass-making techniques and developed those skills, being particularly noted for successfully implementing and perfecting hot-worked decoration in the American glass industry.

Cains' pieces incorporate tooled chains and rings, like those flanking the enamel decoration on this footed bowl. Traces of original gilding can be seen on the applied tooled rings of the object. And goldleaf is the base for the exquisite enamel decoration of birds in a landscape encircling the bowl. The style of the enamel decoration -- a very rare survival on glass -- is similar to that seen on eglomise panel inserts used on early 19th century American furniture such as looking glasses. This style of decoration coupled with the applied decorative rings lend strong support for the American attribution.