Four antique silver and cut glass claret jugs by Beunke

These stunning silver and glass claret jugs show early 20th Century French design at its best.

Each jug is composed of a glass body that is ornamented with beautiful acid-etched patterns. This technique of acid-etching, also known as 'French embossing', is when acid is applied to the top layer of the glass and left to erode it, creating a frosted appearance. Here, this method has been carefully controlled by the craftsman, allowing him to create these intricate decorative designs.

From the glass body of each sprouts a silver neck, which has been incised with beautiful swirling motifs, and fitted with an elegant looping handle and patterned hinged top. An elegant silver band, which is decorated with leafy forms, is arranged around the glass body of each jug. Each jug is set on a circular silver base, which is also incised with graceful markings.

This claret jug set features the makers mark for Rudolphe Beunke to the underside, along with the expected silver marks. While not widely known, Beunke was an exceptionally talented silversmith whose work exhibits great skill and refinement.