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On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.

Vessel in the form of an animal

Designer Christopher Dresser British, Scottish
Manufacturer Thomas Webb & Sons British

ca. 1870

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 516

This highly peculiar zoomorphic vessel, produced by the glass company Thomas Webb & Sons (once based at Stourbridge near Birmingham), is likely a one-off prototype. No multiples appear to have been made for retail. Its enameled polychromy and naïve shape depart from the refined, etched and carved cameo glass for which the firm is better known. Was this creature simply too weird, even for the broadly minded collectors of the Aesthetic Movement?

Vessel in the form of an animal, Christopher Dresser (British, Glasgow, Scotland 1834–1904 Mulhouse), Glass, painted and gilded, British, Stourbridge — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Vessel in the form of an animal, Christopher Dresser (British, Glasgow, Scotland 1834–1904 Mulhouse), Glass, painted and gilded, British, Stourbridge

Vessel in the form of an animal, Christopher Dresser (British, Glasgow, Scotland 1834–1904 Mulhouse), Glass, painted and gilded, British, Stourbridge

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Vessel in the form of an animal

Designer: Christopher Dresser (British, Glasgow, Scotland 1834–1904 Mulhouse)

Manufacturer: Thomas Webb & Sons (British, founded 1837)

Date: ca. 1870

Culture: British, Stourbridge

Medium: Glass, painted and gilded

Dimensions: 2.8 lb. (1.3 kg)

Classification: Glass

Credit Line: Lent by Paul Jeromack

Object Number: L.2019.32.4a, b

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