Clear Stork pattern (AKA Crane, Stork)

Object NamePlatter

Manufacturer Iowa City Flint Glass Co. (American (Iowa City, IA), 1880 - 1882)

Date1890-1891

OriginIowa, USA

MediumNon-flint clear and frosted pressed glass

Dimensions1 1/4 x 15 1/2 x 11 in. (3.2 x 39.4 x 27.9 cm)

ClassificationsDecorative Arts, Glass

Credit LineGift of Keith and Joanne Hemingway, Iowa City, Iowa. In the Iowa Quester Glass Collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberUM99.32

Status

Not on view

Collections

CultureAmerican

Label TextThe Iowa City Flint Glass works originally used sand from along the Iowa River a few miles south of the plant, it only needed to be shipped the short distance and it was an extremely efficient source. However proximity and location were not to be the money saver the glassmakers though as early glass from this sand, the principle ingredient in glass, had a tendency to “explode” as room temperatures changed caused gas bubbles to seek release from within the finished product. Thus, better glass making sand was shipped in from Indiana at substantial cost, which would prove financially disastrous for the glassworks in Iowa City. Stork is one of the characteristic Iowa City patterns depicting long legged fowl (also called Herons or Cranes). The storks can be found on clear glass plates, platters, butter dishes, creamer, goblets, sauce dishes, sugar bowls and pitchers.

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