Claret Jug with Stopper

Object Name: 
Claret Jug with Stopper

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Object Name: 
Claret Jug with Stopper
Accession Number: 
2012.2.4
Dimensions: 
Overall H: 33.1 cm, W: 16.5 cm, D: 11.6 cm
Location: 
Not on Display
Date: 
about 1880-1900
Web Description: 
This unsigned, engraved claret jug and stopper was made in Stourbridge, England during the late 19th century. Decorative arts of the Victorian period are characterized by the revivals of earlier, historic styles. This jug is covered with engravings depicting a leaping stag surrounded by woodland flora and fauna, naturalistic themes commonly found in 18th-century Rococo decorative arts. Artists and designers during the second half of the 19th century responded to the industrial revolution and the decorative excesses of the Victorian period by developing new design theories. In 1873, Christopher Dresser (1834─1904), a well-known Scottish designer, stated his opinion about a claret jug, very similar in shape to this one, in his book The Principles of Decorative Design. He wrote: "Somewhat elaborate efforts can be rendered in glass by very laborious engraving, whereby different depths of cutting are attained, but such work is the result of great labour, and rarely produces an effect proportionate to the toil expended upon it; and if a bottle so engraved is filled with a coloured wine, the entire beauty of its engraving is destroyed." (Christopher Dresser, The Principles of Decorative Design, London: Academy Editions, 1973, p. 134. [First published in 1873 by Cassell Petter & Galpin.]) Although Dresser’s opinions and theories greatly influenced the decorative arts of his time, high quality engraved glass, such as this jug, continued to be produced and enthusiastically collected through the end of the 19th century. In his book, British Glass: 1800─1914, Charles Hajdamach attributes this claret jug to the engraver William Fritsche, who worked for Thomas Webb & Sons. However, because the jug is unsigned, further research into other engravers of the period is needed to verify the attribution.
Department: 
Provenance: 
Simmonds, Ian, Source
2012-05-07
Jones, Dorothy Lee, Former Collection
2010
Color: 
Material: 
Inscription: 
5
inscription
Engraved (b) on side of stopper shaft
Primary Description: 
Claret Jug with Stopper. Colorless glass; blown, hot-worked, copper-wheel engraved. (a) Globular bottle with narrow cylindrical neck and pulled spout. Applied circular foot and curved handle. Exterior of vessel decorated with elaborate scene showing a stag being pursued by dogs amid foliage, which has several birds entwined in it. (b) Matching stopper with hollow globular top engraved with foliage and a bird.
The Corning Museum of Glass Annual Report 2012 (2013) illustrated, pp. 7-8, 46; BIB# AI94590
The Corning Museum of Glass: Notable Acquisitions 2012 (2013) illustrated, pp.28-29, #18; BIB# AI95675
Notes: Corning Museum Makes Significant Acqusitions in 2012 (2013) illustrated, p. 257, #17; BIB# AI98180
British Glass 1800-1914 (1991) illustrated, p. 162; BIB# 34317