Owl jug
This colorful jug in the form of a bird was made in 1879 by the Victorian glass company Thomas Webb & Sons at Stourbridge, near Birmingham. Its pattern is recorded in the company’s archives as number 11952 (dated 1879). This is, as of yet, the only known example of this pattern to have been produced or at least to survive. It has been associated with the designs of Christopher Dresser, who is believed to have supplied Thomas Webb & Sons with some of his ideas in the aftermath of the 1862 International Exhibition held in London. The owl jug has been likened to one of Dresser’s decorative designs published in Studies in Design (London, 1874, plate II) and a related hand screen attributed to the in the Art Furnishers’ Alliance in collection of the V&A (W.3-2015). While Dresser’s authorship cannot be conclusively proven, the jug remains an intriguing example of Thomas Webb & Sons inventive and eclectic productions.
Artwork Details
- Title: Owl jug
- Manufacturer: Thomas Webb & Sons (British, founded 1837)
- Designer: possibly designed by Christopher Dresser (British, Glasgow, Scotland 1834–1904 Mulhouse)
- Date: ca. 1879
- Culture: British, Stourbridge
- Medium: Glass, blown, enameled and gilded
- Dimensions: confirmed: 7 5/8 × 5 × 5 3/4 in., 1.4 lb. (19.4 × 12.7 × 14.6 cm, 637g)
- Classification: Glass
- Credit Line: Gift of Paul Jeromack, 2024
- Object Number: 2024.384
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Thomas Webb & Sons
late 19th century
Thomas Webb & Sons
1870–1900
Thomas Webb & Sons
1870–1900
Thomas Webb & Sons
1870–1900
Thomas Webb & Sons
1870–1900
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.