The sculptural quality of this jug is characteristic of Paul de Lamerie's work of the 1730s. The feet are formed as shells and dolphins, whose tails are entwined under the base. This jug, decorated with applied Rococo scrollwork, introduced in the 1730s, compares with contemporary silver sauceboats. It is cast and chased with acanthus foliage and overlapping waves with serpentine horizontal bands at regular intervals. The handle, with its cast human head, is particularly striking. The dolphin shell feet recall silver made in London in the 17th century fashionable auricular style.

When King Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes in 1685, Huguenots (French Protestants) were forced to leave the country. Many were craftsmen who settled in London. Their technical skills and fashionable French style ensured the luxury silver, furniture, watches and jewellery they made were highly sought after. Huguenot specialists transformed English silver by introducing higher standards of craftsmanship. They promoted new forms, such as the soup tureen and sauceboat, and introduced a new repertoire of ornament, with cast sculptural details and exquisite engraving.

Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world's great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996.