A John Figg silver jug with links to the Isle of Man
Price range: £1,000-£,5000
This is really a remarkable piece to have for sale in the Collection for two reasons.
Firstly, despite looking an unequivocal arts and crafts piece with visible rivets, strapwork handle and visible planishing, it was infact made in 1845. Quite how such a piece exists some fifty years before the first arts and crafts silver is a mystery. My best guess is that it is copying, or inspired by, a copper medieval piece of similar design – just as inspired many arts and crafts designs.
Secondly the jug carries a crest and inscription which link it directly to the Isle of Man. It was a first birthday gift to George Drinkwater Lucius Cary (1845-1900) who was the eldest son of two eminent Isle of Man families, the Drinkwater’s and Cary’s. An inscription to GDLC can be seen on one side of the jug, and on the other side is the Cary arms, quartering Drinkwater’s. Cary, also had a second marriage to Anne Quayle from another long standing Isle of Man family.
Provenance and “ahead of its time” design asides, it is also an absolutely lovely piece of silver and workmanship. John Figg rightly carries the reputation as one of the best Victorian era silversmiths.
The jug is a good gauge of silver. The jug presents beautifully though note that there is an old repair to the base that at some time in the past has been plated in silver to cover the restoration. The cane handle may be replaced.
Maker: John Figg
Designer: Unknown
Date: 1845
Marks: IF, London, k
Material: Sterling silver
Condition: See description
Size: 27 cm high
Weight : 704 grams, 24.8 oz
SKU: A1659
Additional Information
| Period | Art nouveau, Arts and crafts |
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