Images(2)

Decanter

Dateca. 1760

Decorator James Giles (1718-1780)

OriginEngland

MediumLead glass

DimensionsOH: 12 3/16"; (without stopper): 9 3/8"; OD: 4 5/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1980-20,A&B

DescriptionDecanter and stopper: Body A: mallet form; slightly flared lip and ridge (or rim), ground inside; long cylindrical neck flaring to rounded shoulders; sides curve inward to base; polished bottom. Gilded decoration: chain at base of neck, below which is a cartouche consisting of a face at top, grapes, leaves, and vines; in center "PORT"; cartouche extends to slightly below halfway down decanter body. On back is small grape leaf and vine design. Stopper B: spire shape with top row of elongated diamond cuts, middle row diamond cuts, bottom triangular cuts with point at top, curved at bottom; ground elongated plug. Gilded decoration: each facet has gilding of leaf design, which extends from each point, except for top row where gilding extends from top and bottom only.
Label TextEtched decanters of similar quality and with similar cartouches and inscriptions were excavated in Williamsburg. Gilded decoration attributed to James Giles.
Inscribed"PORT"
ProvenanceSource: Maureen Thompson, 34 Kensington Church Street, London W8 4EP, England.