Water jug with plant and floral motifs

About this artwork

height 18 cm x width 19 cm x depth 15.2 cm

Art Historical Context

This elegant water jug, crafted by the renowned American firm Tiffany & Co. around 1873–1874, exemplifies the luxury silverware that defined Gilded Age opulence. Measuring approximately 18 cm high, 19 cm wide, and 15.2 cm deep, its bulbous form is adorned with delicate plant and floral motifs, evoking the natural world in intricate detail. Tiffany & Co., founded by Charles Lewis Tiffany, rose to prominence in the mid-19th century for producing finely wrought silver objects that blended functionality with artistic refinement. Produced during the height of the Aesthetic Movement, the jug reflects a era when designers drew inspiration from nature and Japanese art, prioritizing beauty over mere utility. The floral designs—likely rendered in repoussé or chased techniques—capture the Victorian fascination with botany, turning everyday vessels into sculptural statements for affluent dining tables. The medium of hammering underscores exceptional craftsmanship: silversmiths meticulously shaped and textured the metal by hand, creating a subtle luster and depth that enhances the motifs' lifelike quality. As a testament to Tiffany's mastery, this jug highlights how American artisans rivaled European traditions, making it a coveted heirloom of cultural and historical significance.

About the Artist

Tiffany & Co. · 1837–present

Tiffany & Co., founded on September 18, 1837, by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young in New York City as a stationery and fancy goods store, quickly evolved into a premier American house for jewelry and decorative arts. Under Charles's leadership, the firm introduced innovations like the sterling silver standard in 1851 and the iconic six-prong Tiffany Setting engagement ring in 1886, establis...