Covered Sugar Bowl
American
1 of 5
Object Label
At the time this sugar bowl was made, it was thought that blue would repel ants and preserve the sugar.
Caption
American. Covered Sugar Bowl, 18th century. Glass, 6 1/2 x 4 1/4 in. (16.5 x 10.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 40.9a-b. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Covered Sugar Bowl
Date
18th century
Medium
Glass
Classification
Dimensions
6 1/2 x 4 1/4 in. (16.5 x 10.8 cm)
Credit Line
Dick S. Ramsay Fund
Accession Number
40.9a-b
Frequent Art Questions
Do you know why it was thought that blue would repel ants and preserve sugar?
It was believed that the color itself was unpleasant for ants and would keep they from climbing on the glass. In the 18th century, sugar was an expensive luxury good, so people were interested in ways to keep pests away!
Have information?
Have information about an artwork? Contact us at