Cut Crystal Carafe and Tumblers attributed to James Powell for Whitefriars, Set of 7

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Broad fluted cutting wraps around the tapering neck and bulbous lower body of this Victorian lead crystal carafe, echoed across … Read more Broad fluted cutting wraps around the tapering neck and bulbous lower body of this Victorian lead crystal carafe, echoed across the matching suite of six tall tumblers. Each vessel is mouth-blown from thick, heavy flint glass and finished with vertical arched facet panels that taper down towards deeply ground multi-point star bases. The resulting panelled cuts catch and refract ambient light cleanly, accentuating the natural purity and brilliance of the clear metal.

Standing 26 cm (10 1/4 inches) in height, the carafe possesses substantial weight, tipping the scales at 1.66 kg on its own. Its generous bulbous form easily accommodates a standard bottle of wine or fresh table water. The six matching tumblers measure 13.9 cm (5 3/8 inches) in height and weigh roughly 320 g apiece, providing generous individual serving capacities of 12 fluid ounces (350 ml). Together, the complete seven-piece suite weighs an imposing 3.6 kg, exemplifying the heavy, resonant lead glasswork of mid-Victorian England. Attributed to James Powell of the Whitefriars Glass Works, the suite shares strong stylistic affinities with documented London catalogue models dating to between 1850 and 1860, specifically matching patterns published circa 1855. Because major contemporary glasshouses regularly produced comparable facet-cut tableware to satisfy popular mid-nineteenth-century domestic tastes, manufacture by one of the prominent Stourbridge crystal manufactories also presents a plausible attribution. Despite its age, the entire assembly remains completely practical for regular domestic use today, functioning seamlessly as a dramatic water service, bedside refreshment set, or stylish vessel group for wine and squashes. The individual tumblers are comfortable in the hand, balanced by their heavy star-cut bases, while the wide neck of the carafe ensures an effortless pour. Surviving in very good antique condition, the entire set shows no chips, fractures, or significant clouding, retaining crisp wheel-cut edges and clear internal surfaces throughout. See less