Mt. Washington Satin Glass Inkwell

This antique Mt. Washington cased peach blow and enameled glass inkwell dates to approximately 1890.

• Mt. Washington Glass:
  • This inkwell was produced by the Mt. Washington Glass Company, a prominent American glass manufacturer located in South Boston, Massachusetts.
  • Mt. Washington was renowned for its innovative glass techniques and high-quality art glass, including peach blow, satin glass, and enameled wares.
• Cased Glass:
  • The inkwell is made of cased glass, meaning it consists of two layers of glass: an inner layer of opaque white or colored glass, and an outer layer of colored glass.
  • This technique allowed for the creation of rich, layered colors and subtle shading effects.
• Peach Blow Glass:
  • “Peach blow” refers to a specific type of cased glass that exhibits a subtle shading effect, transitioning from a deeper color (in this case, a rich cranberry or rose) to a lighter color (a pale pink or white).
  • This effect was often achieved by reheating the glass during the manufacturing process, allowing the colors to blend and merge.
  • The name comes from the resemblance of the glass to the colors of a ripening peach.
• Satin Glass:
  • The surface of the glass has a “satin” finish. This is achieved by treating the finished glass with hydrofluoric acid fumes, this process creates a soft, velvety matte finish.
• Enameled Decoration:
  • The inkwell is adorned with delicate enameled floral decoration, featuring hand-painted flowers and foliage.
  • A charming addition to the decoration is a small, realistically rendered enameled bee.
• Form:
  • The inkwell has a bulbous or rounded body with a slightly flared neck.
  • The lid also has a rounded form, with a ribbed design.
• Metal Mount:
  • A brass mount encircles the neck of the inkwell, providing a secure base for the hinged lid.

Mt. Washington Glass Company:

• The Mt. Washington Glass Company was founded in 1837 and operated until the late 1890s.
• The company was known for its innovative glass techniques, including peach blow, Burmese, and Crown Milano.
• Mt. Washington’s products were highly sought after during the late 19th century, both in the United States and abroad.