Today these objects are often referred to as hurricane shades; however, period references describe them as “candle” or “India” shades. The latter term suggests their production for an Asian or West Indian market. They were produced either colorless or colored glass, often embellished with wheel engraving. The addition significantly increased their expense, as evidenced by a schedule of prices published in 1818 by the South Boston Flint Glass Works. It specifies that plain shades could be purchased for $2.67, while engraved ones ranged from $6.00 to $8.00.

These candle shades are engraved with designs of sinuous snakes twisting around columns. Traditionally, this motif has been associated with sobriety, so the combination of the snakes and columns with the meandering grapevines may be a cautionary reminder of the need to limit one’s imbibing.