Cut Crystal and Sterling Silver Hogget Decanter by Piers Hart for Royal Doulton, 1988

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A substantial and highly decorative English cut-crystal hogget decanter by Royal Doulton, Stourbridge, dating to circa 1988 and presented in … Read more A substantial and highly decorative English cut-crystal hogget decanter by Royal Doulton, Stourbridge, dating to circa 1988 and presented in a specially fitted hardwood gallery stand with sterling silver mounts by London silversmith Piers Hart. The decanter is formed in the traditional globe-and-shaft hogget shape from exceptionally heavy, brilliant crystal. Its rounded body is extensively decorated with deep diamond, fan and elongated vertical cuts, creating an impressive play of refracted light across the surface. The tall neck continues the geometric treatment with closely worked concave diamond cutting. Completing the decanter is its original substantial cut-crystal ball stopper, itself deeply faceted to complement the decoration of the body. The rounded underside is deliberately formed so that the decanter cannot stand independently. Instead, it rests securely within its purpose-made hardwood gallery stand. The stand is enriched with sterling silver strapping and fittings by Piers Hart, London, including a small decorative silver flower-form retaining element, and is finished beneath with red baize. This unusual construction derives from the traditional hogget or hoggit decanter. Once removed from its stand and passed around the dining table, the rounded base prevented a guest from putting the decanter down and thereby "hogging" the port. It instead continued from guest to guest until eventually returning to its stand. The combination of Royal Doulton's Stourbridge crystal craftsmanship, Piers Hart's silverwork and the bespoke hardwood gallery makes this an especially impressive late 20th-century interpretation of the traditional English hogget. with a capacity of just under one litre and weighing approximately 2.18 kg, it has considerable presence as a functional decanter or sculptural drinks-cabinet centrepiece and is suitable for port, whisky, brandy and other wines or spirits. Maker: Royal Doulton Silver Maker: Piers Hart, London Date: Circa 1988 Period: Late 20th Century Origin: England, United Kingdom Material: Cut crystal glass, sterling silver, hardwood, red baize Condition: Excellent vintage condition with only very minor signs of use consistent with age. No noted chips, nibbles or cracks to the crystal. Measurements: Height: 12 in. (30.5 cm) overall Width: 5.3 in. (13.5 cm) Depth: approximately 5.3 in. (13.5 cm) Weight: approximately 2.18 kg Capacity: just under 1 litre See less