THE CHARLESTON SILVER LADY

This lovely, glass lighthouse-form jug was made of pink and clear blown glass used in alternating panels. The glass is heavy and thick with many impurities from the sand that was melted to craft it. The early lighthouse shape is unusual and not often seen in glass pieces such as this.

The metal mounting on the top was crafted from American sterling and then layered with a thin sheet of solid gold. This piece was clearly crafted for something special, as the labor to make it would have been intense.

The motif of the mounting is one of grapes and vines, a popular use of an organic motif that dates back to the 1860s in America. Many times there are clear indications of the use of a piece found in the decoration on the surface.

Many of you have antique oyster or fish plates that were crafted centuries ago by talented artists who brought the beauty of Mother Nature to the table in this manner. The use of the plates is obvious by their decoration. The same is true of silver baskets covered in hand-engraved or repoussé decoration. For centuries, baskets or containers of flowers have been used to convey the beauty of nature and evoke emotion.

The mounting of this piece indicates it was made to serve claret. This appealing liquid would have been consumed in small quantities in small stemmed, clear glasses. Claret was a luxury of those able to afford it. It is now a special drink for special occasions, such as Mother’s Day. Its dark pink color is especially appealing.

It was customary to see a claret jug and glasses sitting at the ready in a turn-of-the-century parlor. It was not uncommon for claret to be served as a dessert wine as well. Genteel ladies of centuries ago would often take claret rather than stronger spirits.

The motif of grapes and vines on this piece conveys the idea of fruits of the spirit combined with a connection to maternal love and other positive emotions.

If you have items to be appraised, please contact Dawn by email. © 2018 The Charleston Silver Lady