An exceptional & very rare George III Neo Classical Water/Wine Ewer made in London in 1768 by John Carter II. The decorative design originally attributed to the Royal architect, Sir William Chambers.

This beautiful Jug stands on a circular pedestal which stands on a square platform. The vase shaped main body is unusually decorated with laurel leaf garlands, interspersed with Classical paterae medallions, as well as a lower wide band of acanthus spears. The neck is decorated with a beaded band and rises to a beaded rim.

The high domed cover terminates in a stylised pineapple finial and unusually can be removed for cleaning. The cast, scroll, handle is decorated with acanthus leaf capping, is covered in wicker and has a very unusual scroll end. The front of the main body is engraved with a contemporary Crest. This piece is in outstanding condition and is fully marked on the neck and with the sterling mark on the cover. 

This design, by Sir William Chambers, is based on drawings carried out by Chambers' pupil, John Yenn (1750-1821), which are in the Victoria and Albert Museum. The design was first used by Chambers in the 1760's after the 4th Duke of Marlborough employed the celebrated architect to undertake extensive alterations to Blenheim Palace and Marlborough House in London.

The Duke also ordered a silver dinner service from Parker & Wakelin in this very design, attributed to Chambers. Stylistic similarities, as well as the use of heavy swags, can be seen in Chambers' model for a state coach for George III ( also in the V & A). Similarly, the bluebell festoons and paterae relate to Chambers' work on the East Gate at Blenheim. Some pieces from the Marlborough Service still survive at Blenheim Palace and other known examples are a Tureen in the Leeds City Art Gallery. 

John Carter II was a great exponent of the Neo Classical and worked along side Daniel Smith and Robert Sharp on pieces for the Royal family.

Height: 12 inches, 30 cm. 
Length, handle to spout: 6.5 inches, 16.25cm. 

Weight

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance