Sulphide portrait glassware

Sulphide portrait glassware is blown, cut, and molded glassware usually made from lead crystal that encases an image. The image appears silver or white, as if made from silver sulphide. Although sulphide is used to describe glass decorated in this manor, the silver or white image is actually a hardened clay paste. Experiments with this glass decorating style began in Europe during the late 18th century, and processes for production were successfully implemented in France and England during the early 19th century. Production in the United States began in the 1820s.

Pittsburgh glass manufacturer Bakewell, Page and Bakewell was the first major manufacturer of sulphide portrait glassware in the United States. During the 1820s, sulphide portrait glassware ornamentation style was known as cameo–incrustation or crystallo ceramie. This type of glassware became popular again during the middle of the 19th century. Bakewell, Page and Bakewell used an unusual style for their sulphide portrait tumblers. The portrait was at the bottom of the tumbler, while the sides of the ware featured engravings. The men portrayed in these tumblers were famous historical figures, such as Marquis de Lafayette, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin. Also portrayed were then current politicians that that were champions of causes that favored domestic glass producing industry, such as Andrew Jackson and DeWitt Clinton.