Victorian Silver-Mounted Monkey Claret Jug by Richard Hodd & Son

Victorian Silver-Mounted Monkey Claret Jug
Richard Hodd & Son
Hallmarked London, 1882

Among the most whimsical and sought-after creations of Victorian silver are the extraordinary animal-form claret jugs, and few are as charming or as rare as this delightful monkey example by Richard Hodd & Son. Created in London in 1882, the ingenious design combines expertly molded glass with finely chased sterling silver to transform the table accessory into a work of art. Surviving examples are remarkably scarce due to the fragility of their glass bodies, making this playful primate a collector's treasure.

Modeled seated upon its haunches, the monkey's clear glass body is framed by silver mounts that convincingly render its textured fur and feet. Its long tail rises gracefully to form an elegant double-scroll handle, while the lifelike head, complete with expressive glass eyes, opens on a hinge to reveal a richly gilt interior. A silver chain terminating in a medallion secures the hinged head.

Animal-form claret jugs emerged during the late Victorian period as some of the era's most inventive luxury tableware. Their popularity is often linked to the fanciful illustrations of Sir John Tenniel for Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and Through the Looking-Glass (1872), which helped fuel the Victorian fascination with anthropomorphic animals. The monkey design was first registered by Dove & Harvey in September 1882 at 31 Hatton Garden, the same address occupied by the manufacturing silversmiths Richard Hodd & Son, who are widely credited with producing the model from its inception. The 1882 date mark places this example among the earliest produced following the introduction of the design.

These remarkable jugs also represent a fascinating collaboration between the glassmaker and silversmith, uniting two crafts into a single object that neither could have achieved alone. Unlike earlier vessels, where each craft could independently produce similar forms, these whimsical creations depended on the seamless union of molded glass and chased silver to achieve their lifelike character. Advances in glassmaking made these imaginative forms possible, while the silversmith's artistry brought them vividly to life through finely worked details.

11" high x 6 3/4" wide x 5" deep