Decorative

A RARE VICTORIAN GLASS DECANTER MADE IN ...

A rare and well-preserved example of VICTORIAN from London, 1887, noted for its craftsmanship, material quality, and historical relevance.

A Rare Victorian Glass Decanter Made In London By Hukin & Heath 1887. Hukin & Heath (John Thomas Heath & John Hartshorne Middleton) Subsequently Hukin & Heath Ltd 1886 - 1909 (registered Jun 1886). The Decanter has two Registration Numbers ''RD NOS 48328-9''. This decanter is a prime example of the Aesthetic Movement, which flourished in the late 19th century. The Aesthetic Movement emphasized ''art for art''s sake'' and focused on beauty and craftsmanship. The decanter''s design exhibits several key characteristics of this style: Integration of Form and Function: The spiral fluting is not merely decorative; it creates a satisfying tactile experience and a visually appealing flow from the body to the neck. Influence of Nature: The swirling pattern, particularly on the silver lid, resembles a conch shell or a nautilus, a common motif in Aesthetic designs influenced by natural forms. Emphasis on Materials: The contrast between the brilliant, polished silver and the clear, textured glass highlights the beauty of both materials. While the specific design is not attributed to Sir Christopher Dresser, it is very much in the spirit of the work Hukin & Heath produced under his influence. It demonstrates a move away from traditional ornate Victorian styles towards a more modern, streamlined, and aesthetically. Based on all the available evidence, it is highly likely that this Hukin & Heath decanter was designed by Dr Christopher Dresser. The maker, the date, and the design aesthetic are all perfectly consistent with his work for the firm. While the lack of a direct signature or a readily available design record prevents a 100% certain attribution, it is a very strong and reasonable conclusion to draw. This is a beautiful and historically significant piece from a period when Dresser''s influence on British design was at its peak.

— Details

Reference

SA1159550

Origin

London, 1887

Period

VICTORIAN

Dimensions

H 22.5cm

Rarity

Rare

Condition

Excellent — see description