SOLD – Rare Finnish Glass Gin Pig c1900

Description

A superb “gin pig” decanter c1900. A sedentary boar with tusks and the spout at the end of his nose. This pig was made in Finland at the Karhula Glasbruk. Zoomorphic dercanters and flasks are known from the early 17th century and pigs certainly were a popular option. We are advised that many of these were end of day items. made to use surplus glass. “friggers”. However having contacted the Suomen Lasimuseo we are advised that this pig was actually a design item and that it appears in the aforementioned factory catalogue from 1890 and was made in this form for a couple of decades. We are advised that later versions lose their tusks and the ridge on their backs.

Lead glass. it has a single chip to tip on an ear. This isvery minor. No other chips cracks or restoration and is clean and clear. It measures 6 /14 inches tall and approx. 10 inches long.

A great novelty item. Many thanks to Andy McConnell for his input with this item.

References :

The Decanter an Illustrated history of glass from 1650 By Andy McConnell – Page 467 Plate 654.