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Christmas Light

1830/1850

Reading Public Museum

Reading Public Museum
Reading, United States

Vasiform teal vessel with rough pontil on outside bottom. Walls are formed in a quilted or diamond pattern. Lip is folded to interior of mouth. Known as "Christmas lights" or lanterns, these tumblerlike glasses were suspended from the branches of mid-19th century Christmas trees, lighted by a wick attached to a piece of wood or cork that floated in oil atop water. This type of light was also used for garden fetes, church functions, and patriotic celebrations.

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  • Title: Christmas Light
  • Date Created: 1830/1850
  • Physical Dimensions: 3 x 2 3/8 inches
  • Medium: glass
  • Culture: American (probably Pittsburgh or Ohio)
  • Credit Line: Museum Purchase through the Levi W. Mengel Memorial Fund
Reading Public Museum

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