Object Name:

Bowl

Maker / Manufacturer:

Tupperware Corporation, founded 1938

Material:

Polyethylene

Designer:

Earl S. Tupper

Description:

Peach colored circular "Party Bowl."  Fitted cover has indented circular handle at center.  Used for storage or as a serving bowl.  Part of the "Millionaire Line."

Tupperware was introduced in Leominster, Mass. in 1946 by self-educated chemist, Earl Silas Tupper (1907-1983).  The patented air tight lid, the famous “Tupper seal,” was based on paint can lids and kept food fresher longer and eliminated leakage.  The revolutionary food storage containers first came in twenty-five translucent pastel shades and in a variety of items including the Wonderlier Bowl and the Bell Tumbler.  They were quickly joined by canisters, placemats, doilies, colanders and cake and pie containers.

Despite their breakthrough nature, Tupperware didn’t sell well when introduced in retail stores.  As a result, Earl S. Tupper hired Brownie Wise to develop the retail concept of Tupperware Home Parties.  A skilled salesperson and motivator of people, Wise understood the importance of the Tupperware hostess and declared, “If we build the people, they’ll build the business.”  The marketing strategy was successful.  In 1954 more than 200,000 women were dealers, distributors, and managers, and sales topped $25 million. 

Dimensions:

5 1/2 x 9 in. (14 x 22.9 cm)

Date:

c. 1946

Credit Line:

Gift of  Harold A. Holz

Accession Number:

2003.16