Arts and Crafts Brass Water Jug By Benham and Froud

Arts and Crafts Brass Water Jug by Benham and Froud – Decorative Object

A rare Arts and Crafts brass water jug, attributed to the esteemed Benham and Froud, dating to the late Victorian era. Exemplifying decorative innovation circa 1880, this ornamental watering can marries the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement with subtle nods to Chinese and classical antiquity.

Origin: England, likely Benham and Froud
Date: Circa 1880
Material: Brass
Dimensions: Height 25 cm (9.8 inches)
Condition: Excellent patina, minor age-appropriate wear

This Arts and Crafts brass water jug is highly collectible, demonstrating the era’s enthusiasm for handcrafted beauty and originality. The form cleverly combines a Chinese-inspired vase body with the silhouette of a classical oil lamp, an approach reminiscent of the eclectic designs championed by Christopher Dresser and other luminaries of the period. A bold scroll handle sweeps gracefully from the spout to the vessel’s midsection, showcasing exquisite balance and movement, qualities admired in prominent museum collections of nineteenth-century decorative arts.

Notable Features:

• Superb craftsmanship, evident in the finely worked brass and coherent form
• Unique design, blending Eastern and Western motifs, and demonstrating the Arts and Crafts focus on both utility and beauty
• An excellent example for collectors, with rarity and a well-proportioned silhouette increasing its value
• Ideal as a striking display piece for interiors, or to form a centrepiece in a focused collection of late Victorian decorative objects

The jug’s harmonious proportions and imaginative detailing mark it as a quintessential Arts and Crafts decorative object. The use of brass not only highlights the period’s appreciation for honest materials, but also imparts a rich, warm patina that enhances its handsome appearance. This noteworthy item would make a sophisticated statement in any setting, from traditional homes to contemporary spaces seeking a piece of design history.

Whether employed as a collector’s highlight or as a decorative focal point, this Arts and Crafts brass water jug by Benham and Froud perfectly captures the spirit and versatility of late nineteenth-century British design.