Artifact: Decanter
Materials: Glass with overall cutting
Dimensions: Height: 26 cm (without stopper)
Date: 1740-1750
Origin: England
Collection: Victoria & Albert Museum
Ledger Entry: Decanter
Department: Foodways
Customer: Samuel Johnson
Ledger Page: 116
Imported From:
Product Description
Decanters in colonial British America were used for holding, displaying, and serving wine and other beverages. Decanters also functioned as filtration devices, helping to remove sediments that would be present in various alcoholic beverages. Like other luxury objects from this time, an ornate glass decanter was a sign of cultivation and high status.
Citation: Philippa Glanville and Sophie Lee, ed., The Art of Drinking (London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 2007);
Historical Price: 10 pence; Modern USD: $9.35
Product Variations
The databases record eight purchases of decanters. Most were sold individually, although one customer purchased two. These ranged in price from ten pence to four pounds six shillings. Glass was the only material noted.
