carafe

One of the most prolific and innovative 19th-century English glasshouses was operated by Apsley Pellatt. In 1820, he patented his “crystallo-ceramie” process, which improved on the French method of making sulphides (small ornamental objects of white porcelain-like material, made to be encased in glass). Later, he published Curiosities of Glassmaking, which supplied information about glass manufacturing and decorating techniques. Pellatt’s Falcon Glassworks in London produced quality lead glass tableware and lighting devices. Some of this company’s best works were displayed in London at the world’s fairs of 1851 and 1862. This exquisitely engraved lead glass carafe, which is signed “Pellatt” under a crown at the base of the handle, was shown at the 1862 exposition. The body of the vessel is decorated with three cartouches enclosing arabesques. The cartouche beneath the spout depicts a stylized round table with five Venetian Renaissance glasses.