Photograph by Ed Pollard, Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital slr-2010.

Jug

Manufacturer Unknown

CultureEnglish

Dateca. 1870

MediumBlown and acid-etched glass

DimensionsOverall: 7 in. (17.8 cm)
Overall, Rim: 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm)

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number0.1000

Not on view

DescriptionClaret jug; blown, colorless oval with round neck and applied ribbed handle, etched each side with a wreath of morning glory vines with blossoms around a bee, narrow etched design around claw end handle and up handle between ribs except two top ribs and band around neck. Polished pontil. Handle curves higher than rim. Checks handle top and near rim.

Label TextGLASS FOR EVERY TASTE AND CLASS This case shows decanters and pitchers in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and decorations available over the period of Queen Victoria's reign, 1837-1901. Manufacturers made an eclectic assortment of household items to suit every customer's taste and income. Cut and engraved glass decanters were more expensive than those blown in molds or made by pressing technology. Vessels with fanciful applied decorations such as ruffles or multicolored threads also were much more costly. The Victorian table setting was an important indicator of social status. Elaborate dinners frequently included one or more wines and cordials, each requiring its own special glass. Since water was a suitable alternative to wine at the dinner table, ice-water pitchers were made with the same elaborate flourishes as the most expensive wine decanters. Guests would judge their hosts' standing by the food and beverages on the menu as well as its presentation-from the rarity of fruits served at dessert to the quality of the compote displaying them. English Jug, ca. 1870 Blown and acid-etched glass Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 0.1000 Exhibition History"Cheers to Queen Victoria: British Glass from the Chrysler Collection," Waitzer Community Gallery, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, September 22, 2010 - March 20, 2011.