The Mt. Washington Glass Company, operating in New Bedford, Massachusetts from 1837 to 1894, was renowned for its exceptional art glass and innovative designs. This fig-shaped salt shaker represents the company's specialty in creating whimsical Victorian-era table accessories, featuring delicate hand-painted enamel flowers on opalescent glass with a distinctive metal top. These charming pieces were produced during the height of American art glass production in the late 19th century, when elaborate tableware was a symbol of refined taste and prosperity.

Fig-shaped shakers are highly sought after by collectors of American art glass, particularly those specializing in Mt. Washington pieces or Victorian-era tableware. These delightful objects appeal to antique glass enthusiasts for their combination of functional design and artistic merit, representing the craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities of the Gilded Age. The hand-painted floral decoration and unusual organic form make these pieces especially desirable to collectors who appreciate the intersection of utility and decorative arts.