Lidded Butter Dish
MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1850-1870
MediumPressed colorless lead glass
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height including lid x diameter): 4 1/2 x 6 1/4in. (11.4 x 15.9cm)
ClassificationsGlassware
Credit LineBequest of Martha R. Lambert
DescriptionLidded butter dish made of pressed colorless lead glass. The butter dish (.a) has a scalloped rim, with a narrow ledge circling the inside of the dish just below the rim. The sides of the butter dish curve down to a flat bottom. The pattern on the butter dish, known as the "Comet" or "Horn of Plenty" pattern, is found on the exterior of the dish. The pattern includes a radiating star in the center of the dish. The sides are decorated with "comets," each consisting of a circular head and a tapered tail. The head of each comet corresponds to scallop in the rim, while the tail narrows and curves down to the central star. The pressed pattern on the comets alternates between a field of diamonds on the head and two circles on the tail, and a circle at the head and a field of diamonds on the tail.
The domed lid (.b) of the butter dish has a small, hexagonal, knob-shaped finial in the center, and smooth sides that curve down to a plain, inset rim. The same pattern of comets is found on the inside of the lid. In the case of the lid, the head of each comet is at the rim, and the tail narrows and curves toward the top of the lid. The pressed pattern on the comets alternates between a field of diamonds on the head and two circles on the tail, and a circle at the head and a field of diamonds on the tail.
There are many small chips at the top of the finial, the rim of the lid, and the outer edge of the scalloped rim of the dish. There are light scratches and wear on the bottom of the dish.
The domed lid (.b) of the butter dish has a small, hexagonal, knob-shaped finial in the center, and smooth sides that curve down to a plain, inset rim. The same pattern of comets is found on the inside of the lid. In the case of the lid, the head of each comet is at the rim, and the tail narrows and curves toward the top of the lid. The pressed pattern on the comets alternates between a field of diamonds on the head and two circles on the tail, and a circle at the head and a field of diamonds on the tail.
There are many small chips at the top of the finial, the rim of the lid, and the outer edge of the scalloped rim of the dish. There are light scratches and wear on the bottom of the dish.
Object number1979.68.162a-b
NotesHistorical Note: The home of Martha Ruhamah Tryon Lambert (1892-1979) was located at 712 Main Street in South Glastonbury, Connecticut.On View
Not on view
