SOLD – Georgian Sweetmeat Glass with Lid c1800

Description

Georgian Sweetmeat Glass which dates to c1800

It has a facet cut lid with finial and it is slightly loose fitting and is probably a replacement but it matches the glass well. It has been engraved and gilded with flowers. The Glass itself has been superbly engraved. cut and gilded with flower heads and fruit with shallow diamond cutting below. Sits on a fact star cut base.

It measures approx. 8 inches tall which includes the lid and 4 ¾ inches in diameter.

Sweetmeats fall into two categories. dry and wet. We are all familiar with Jelly and custard glasses used for desserts that required a spoon. Sugared almonds. candied peel. chocolate truffles and so on would be served in larger dry sweetmeats of which we have had many examples. Dry sweetmeats did not need to be consumed so quickly as a freshly made creamy syllabub and during the early 19th century both comports and  covered jars started to replace large standing dry sweetmeat glasses on the dining table. One can only suppose to prevent dust contaminating your confection.

The gilt on the lid is more or less intact but is rubbed on the jar. There is bruise to the edge of the foot as shown and it as has discoloured slightly over the years.  Slightly unfortunate. however overall it’s an exceptional glass and would look great in any collection or dining table.