Decanter and stopper

1780-1800

Measurements

13-3/8 in x 4-1/5 in (dia)

Materials

Colorless lead glass

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation

Accession Number

2024.21

Inscription

"JG" is engraved on one side of the body.

Comments

The tall, tapered shape of this decanter, Its inverted tear-drop stopper shape, the clarity of the glass, and the high quality of the engraving indicate that it was made in England or Ireland at the end of the 18th century.  Many English glass makers had moved their business to Ireland at that time to avoid taxes on glass.  The engraving has ornately detailed initials of the owner on one side; the other side displays a bird in flight, probably a phoenix.  (For another engraved phoenix, see wine glass accession no. 2024.15.)  The copper-wheel engraving incorporates a range of techniques that produced broad and shallow cuts, narrow and deep cuts, and combinations--all to achieve a variety of visual effects.