Decanter Jug thumbnail 1
Decanter Jug thumbnail 2
+1
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Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
British Galleries, Room 56, The Djanogly Gallery

Decanter Jug

1680-1685 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
The English decanter evolved quickly after the invention of lead glass. Contemporary wine bottles were almost black and were no asset to the dining table, unless sealed with the owner's crest or name, whereas a crystal glass decanter or jug showed off the colour of the wine to advantage. These early decanters were without ground stoppers, as they were intended only for serving wine, not for storing it.

Design & Designing
Lacking prototypes that would suit the heavy viscous glass perfected by George Ravenscroft in the 1670s, London glassmakers turned to jugs of Continental faience (tin-glazed earthenware) for their inspiration. This example follows that form, but with the deep mould-blown ribbing so characteristic of glass of the period, and the addition of a reinforcing ring around the foot and a decorative frilled collar around the neck. The flaring hollowed top of the neck has been copied from faience wine jugs, which normally had hinged pewter lids: this glass decanter would have had a loose-fitting hollow stopper, designed to rest in the top of neck.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Lead glass, with mould-blown ribbing
Brief description
Decanter jug, England, 1685-1690
Dimensions
  • Height: 18.4cm
  • Including handle width: 11cm
  • Diameter: 9.5cm
Dimensions checked: Measured; 06/04/1999 by sp
Style
Gallery label
  • Originally with loose-fitting hollow stopper
  • GLASSWARE FOR WINE
    Consumption of alcohol was a driving force behind developments in glass-making. George Ravenscroft (1632-1681) produced mainly beer and wine glasses, of which few have survived. The personalised 'black' bottle for storing wine in good condition was a product of the prosperous Restoration period, while the decanter-jug showed the beauty of the wine on the table.(27/03/2003)
Credit line
Given by C. Rees-Price, Esq. and Mrs Jeanie H. R. Price.
Object history
Probably made at the Savoy Glasshouse, London
Summary
Object Type
The English decanter evolved quickly after the invention of lead glass. Contemporary wine bottles were almost black and were no asset to the dining table, unless sealed with the owner's crest or name, whereas a crystal glass decanter or jug showed off the colour of the wine to advantage. These early decanters were without ground stoppers, as they were intended only for serving wine, not for storing it.

Design & Designing
Lacking prototypes that would suit the heavy viscous glass perfected by George Ravenscroft in the 1670s, London glassmakers turned to jugs of Continental faience (tin-glazed earthenware) for their inspiration. This example follows that form, but with the deep mould-blown ribbing so characteristic of glass of the period, and the addition of a reinforcing ring around the foot and a decorative frilled collar around the neck. The flaring hollowed top of the neck has been copied from faience wine jugs, which normally had hinged pewter lids: this glass decanter would have had a loose-fitting hollow stopper, designed to rest in the top of neck.
Other number
1925 - Glass gallery number
Collection
Accession number
C.580-1925

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Record createdDecember 13, 1997
Record URL
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