Hot water jug
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Object number21754.786
TitleHot water jug
Creator Archibald Knox
DescriptionThis exquisite Art Nouveau hot water jug was made in around 1900-09 by Liberty of London. Originally part of a complete tea service, it is a fine example of their example of their pewter Tudric range.
While Liberty had a policy of keeping their designers anonymous, it is widely thought that their pewter ranges were mostly created by Archibald Knox. A native of the Isle of Man, Knox worked for Liberty as principal metalwork designer from 1901-04, producing hundreds of designs. He taught art, design & craft in both London and on the Isle of Man; one of his main beliefs was that “Art is in everything if we choose to put it there”.
The smooth, cylindrical body of the jug is enhanced by a simple spout and handle. The latter is covered in cane to stop it from becoming too hot to hold when pouring. But what really catches the eye is the turquoise blue and green enamel decoration in the shape of a flower and the flowing lines of the leaves which are typical of the Art Nouveau period.
Using the natural forms and sinuous, interlacing lines so popular in Art Nouveau and Celtic art, Knox’s designs covered everything from tableware to inkwells, from jewellery to gravestones. In his work we can see the influence of William Morris and the Arts & Crafts movement from the 19th century, with the emphasis on handcrafted techniques and organic forms. But we can also see inspiration for the geometric shapes of the Art Deco movement, still to come in the 20th century.
Production date 1900 - 1909
Object nameJug
Dimensions
Height: 160 mm
Diameter: 90 mm
Diameter: 90 mm