Statue of Liberty Pickle Jar

ManufacturerPossibly by Gillinder & Sons (American (Philadelphia, PA; Greensburg, PA), 1861 - 1891)

DateAfter 1886

OriginU.S.A.

MediumNon-flint clear pressed glass

Dimensions12 1/2 x 5 x 5 in. (31.8 x 12.7 x 12.7 cm)

ClassificationsDecorative Arts, Glass

Credit LineGift of Ardis Anderson, Van Meter, Iowa to the Iowa Questers Glass Collection, Brunnier Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberUM98.42

Status

On view

Collections

CultureAmerican

Label TextGillinder & Sons of Philadelphia took advantage of their prozimity to the site of Centennial Exposition to erect a special glass factory on the exhibition grounds, where they made and sold souveniers to visitors. Most pieces in the Liberty Bell pattern were colorless. Gillinder made many pressed-glass novelties, including mugs and salt shakers in the shape of the Liberty Bell. Statue of Liberty pattern is based on “The Lady of Liberty” (“Liberty Enlightening the World”) by Auguste Bartholdi. Bartholdi was inspired by a French law professor and politician who is said to have commented in 1865 that any monument raised to U.S. independence would properly be a joint project of the French and American peoples. The Statue of Liberty celebrated the United States centennial. This image immediately became reproduced in many forms, including ceramics, glass, sculpture and money. This jar is divided into three separate panels, two are plain; the Statue of Liberty is on the third. Stars encircle the rim and an American eagle Bird of Freedom is on the base.

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