I am delighted to add another sterling silver piece by Christopher Dresser to the Collection. To my mind he is without doubt the father of both modern and commercial design.  Pieces that are unequivocally designed by Dresser and of the period in sterling silver are rare.

This claret jug is a beautiful, elegant piece and hallmarked for Hukin and Heath London 1879, and is one of Dresser’s earliest metalwork designs.

Hukin and Heath plated versions are rare, sterling silver pieces like this one, are even  rarer. For an identical silver example dated 1882 see ” Christopher Dresser, A Design Revolution” by Michael Whiteway, page 147.

There is also a silver example on display in the V & A Dundee (CIRC.416-1967) where the catalogue says “This decanter epitomises Christopher Dresser’s tendency to highlight the abstract qualities of oriental design. The broad base of the bottle is loosely based on the form of an Islamic or Chinese vase and the handle is derived from a Japanese precedent. Besides imitating handles found on Japanese objects, the form of the handle is easily recognisable in the profile of traditional roofs and temple gates in Japan.“

Condition is excellent.  Hallmarks are crisp. There are tiny imperfections in the glass which are original to manufacture and one tiny scratch to the glass body of no significance.

Price range: Sold

Maker: Hukin and Heath

Designer: Christopher Dresser

Date: 1879

Marks: JWH/JTH, London, “D”

Material: Sterling silver, glass

Condition: Excellent

Size: 22.5 cm tall

Weight: NM