compote

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 Unpublished.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.