{"product_id":"antique-silverplate-glass-claret-jug","title":"Antique Silverplate \u0026 Glass Claret Jug","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"713\" data-start=\"305\"\u003eThe Victorian table is often remembered for its abundance, and it gave rise to objects of remarkably specific purpose—pieces designed not only to serve, but to do so beautifully. Among such objects, the claret jug held a particular place; created for the decanting and presentation of red wines such as the clarets so favored in 19th-century England, it still finds a place on the discerning tables of today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1132\" data-start=\"715\"\u003eThis Antique Glass and Silverplate Claret Jug offers a strikingly unfussy interpretation of that tradition. The clear glass body is gracefully shaped, allowing the deep color of the wine to take center stage, while the handsome silverplate spout, top, and handle provide a clean counterpoint. The handle is comfortably curved, the hinged lid neatly fitted, and the overall effect is one of balance and quiet elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1364\" data-start=\"1134\"\u003eRefined without excess and a statement without pretense, it is a piece that feels as relevant now as it did then—equally suited to a well-set table or an evening pour, where simplicity allows both the object and the wine to shine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. 11.25\"H x 6.5\" in diameter. In very good antique condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLearn More About Claret Jugs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor most of the 18th century, wines were either served out of solid silver pitchers, or from glass decanters and bottles. Most wealthy households purchased wines in casks which were stored in the cellar, from which the head butler would decant into the appropriate serving vessel prior to the meal. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt was not until the early 19th century when glass manufacturing developed sufficiently that wines were bottled at the source in uniform bottles. This probably explains the sudden appearance of silver mounted claret jugs from about 1830 onwards. As the use and storage of wine became easier, and as the industrial revolution produced a larger consumer class yearning for finer living and drinking, so the demand and consumption of wine grew and with it the need for new conventions, customs and accessories. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo that end, the claret jug was introduced throughout Europe in the early 19th century when silversmiths embellished glass decanters with silver mounts, lids and handles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe design and style of claret jugs evolved over time, driven by the ever-changing whims of fashion. From highly ornate to whimsically designed jugs in the shapes of animals, claret jugs reflected the desires of a society to display their new-found wealth and taste for the finer things of life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eLearn More About Claret\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore “claret” was the nickname for Bordeaux wines, it meant “clear,” “pale” or “light-colored” wine (“claret” being derived from the Latin word for “clear”). This is back in the 14th and 15th centuries, when wines from Bordeaux were actually paler, almost like rosés. In the late Middle Ages, “claret” also referred to a heated wine poured over a bag of spices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first known references to “claret” as dark red Bordeaux wines were in the 1700s by the British trade. History buffs will recall that France and England were at war during this period, and it was right around then that the English started seeking out Portuguese wines to satisfy their thirst.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese days “claret” is used as a generic way to refer to Bordeaux wines - or wines styled after Bordeaux.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43109174050929,"sku":"103202","price":275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0165\/2136\/files\/AntiqueSilverplate_GlassClaretJug-1.jpg?v=1775156873","url":"https:\/\/poshchicago.com\/products\/antique-silverplate-glass-claret-jug","provider":"P.O.S.H.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}