Compote

Notice of Upcoming Content and Access Change

The Museum is working on the future of our online collections access. A new version will be available later in 2023. During this transition period, the current version of the Collections Browser may have reduced functionality and data may be not be updated. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. For any questions or concerns, please contact us.

What is AAT?

The Art & Architecture Thesaurus (AAT) (r) is a structured vocabulary for generic concepts related to art and architecture. It was developed by The Getty Research Institute to help research institutions become consistent in the terminology they use.Learn More

Object Name: 
Compote
Accession Number: 
2013.4.28
Dimensions: 
Overall H: 22.1 cm, Diam (max): 23.4 cm
Location: 
Not on Display
Date: 
1850-1875
Credit Line: 
Purchased with funds from the Martha J. Herpst Estate
Web Description: 
Likely commissioned as a presentation piece, this compote consists of a blown bowl attached to a hollow waisted stem with cut panels and a circular foot with a starburst cut on the underside. The engraving shows a band of ivy that undulates around the object, evenly dispersing decoration on the upper portion of the bowl while also encircling three birds, two butterflies or moths, and the monogram “AIC.” Traces of gilding survive in the engraving, but it is unclear whether gilding was applied to all of the engraved areas or used only to highlight specific portions of the design. The large size and luxurious combination of cutting, engraving, and gilding indicate that this compote was probably a special order. The monogrammed initials “AIC” have not been identified. Glass companies utilized pattern books for engraved designs. These books were often distributed to various companies and designers, making definitive attributions challenging. Similarities have been found between the engravings on this compote and drawings in a scrapbook now in the Rakow Library (CMGL 69885) that includes patterns and designs popular from the 1840s through the early 1880s. The scrapbook is believed to have been the property of Henry S. Fillebrown (American, 1839– 1910) and possibly Henry B. Leighton (American, 1837–1878), who worked as engravers for the New England Glass Company. Although the engravings are similar to these drawings, comparable designs exist on objects from the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company. It is therefore possible that the compote may have been produced at the Boston and Sandwich or New England company. Inscribed: “AIC” monogram, engraved. Unpublished. For more information about the Fillebrown– Leighton scrapbook, see Jane Shadel Spillman, “A Glass Engraver’s Design Book, 1860–1880,” The Magazine Antiques, v. 168, no. 2, August 2005, pp. 64–69.
Department: 
Provenance: 
Simmonds, Ian, Source
2013-04-10
Color: 
Material: 
Inscription: 
AIC
monogram
Engraved on bowl
Primary Description: 
Compote. Colorless glass; blown, engraved, cut, gilded. Compote with hollow waisted paneled stem and circular foot with cut starburst on bottom. Bowl decorated with elaborate engraved decoration consisting of band of wavy ivy, three birds, two butterflies or moths, and monogram reading "AIC".
Glass Through History (2014) illustrated, p. 20; BIB# AI98196
The Corning Museum of Glass: Notable Acquisitions 2013 (2014) illustrated, pp. 28-29 (#18);
Notes: Corning Museum Adds Major Work to Glass, Library Collections (2014) illustrated, p. 380, #13; BIB# AI100158