American Brilliant c. 1890 Crystal Water Pitcher

Item: Water Pitcher

Make: United States

Age: Circa 1890-1899

Construction: Crystal

Dimensions: 7 5/8" Tall x 7 1/2" Wide (With Handle)

Condition: Good pre-owned antique condition. A few rim chips. Scratches/wear on the interior and exterior bottom. Fleabites/chips on the body of the pitcher. Please see photos. 

Details: American Brilliant Period bellied water pitcher showcasing crosshatch, fan, and notch cuts. 

Cut glass, decorated entirely by hand using rotating metal or stone wheels, can be traced back as far as 1500 B.C. The dawn of electricity and industry in America as well as preparation for the country's 100th birthday caused a revolution in cut glass known as the American Brilliant Period, beginning in 1876 and lasting until the first world war. Before this point American glass houses found it difficult to compete with the perception of European glass superiority. The tide began to shift when rail transportation brought record attendance to the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Here, several American glass companies showed their beautiful pieces, captivating audiences with their work, and sparking a boom in American cut glass.