A Fine George IV Jug

Maker: 
Paul Storr
Dated: 
1822
Dimensions: 
9.4" (24 cm) High
Weight: 
21.9 oz

Of oinochoe form, the plain ovoid body above a finely chased calyx of alternate acanthus and lily leaves. The spreading base with a cast band of flowers, leaves and scrolls upon a matted ground. The trefoil shaped top with a tongue border set with three small shells at each indentation. The looped scroll handle issuing at the lower end from a classical male head, probably that of Bacchus, the upper part leaf capped and descending into a fluted scroll clasp above a finely chased shell and flanked by scrolls.

Price: 
£11,500
Provenance: 

Sotheby's, New York, 26th April 2008, lot 258 (sold for $15,000)

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It was certainly not unusual for Storr to take inspiration from ancient classical forms. He  had worked closely with many great designers such as John Flaxman, William Theed and Edward Hodges Baily who popularized ancient Greek and Roman forms. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has several ancient bronze Oinochoes, including one from Etruria, 5th century BC, that is of very similar form to this jug. The use of original spacers or insulators in the handle suggest such a jug may have had the dual purpose for serving wine either chilled or mulled. The main part of the handle bears part marks, as is normal when divided by spacers, verifying this construction is absolutely contemporary with the piece.

The condition of the chasing is excellent and there are no signs of any erasure from the plain part of the body.