Jug 19th century

This gilt electrotype Jug was made by Elkington and Company in England, though its exact date is unknown. Its intricate detailing and use of precious metal speaks to the culture of luxury and display that defined the Victorian era. As one looks closer, the visual codes and cultural references become clear: dragons, shields, and elaborate foliate patterns evoke a medieval past, a time of knights, castles, and courtly love. In fact, Elkington & Co. became known for this type of historicism in its designs, reviving earlier styles to appeal to a growing market for luxury goods. The company gained prominence by working closely with the British Royal Family and supplying them with electroplated wares. It became a purveyor of status symbols and a key player in shaping Victorian taste. To understand the Jug fully, we can delve deeper into the company archives and study Victorian social history to reveal the intricate relationship between art, industry, and social aspiration.