Arts & Crafts Reptile Design Copper Jugs
The Joseph Sankey Hand Beaten Reptile Repousse Copper Jug (Ewer or Pitcher) is a beautiful example of British craftsmanship from the late 19th to early 20th century. Joseph Sankey & Sons, a prominent company known for its high-quality metalwork, produced this style of jug, which features distinctive repoussé designs—a metalworking technique where the design is hammered into the reverse side to create a raised image on the front.
Origins and History
Joseph Sankey & Sons Ltd. was established in 1854 in Bilston, Staffordshire, England. The company initially specialized in the production of metal wares, such as metal trays, vases, jugs, and other decorative items, often using copper and brass. They became particularly well known for their Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts metalwork, which was characterized by organic and flowing designs. The Sankey firm expanded through the late 19th century, becoming one of the largest metalworking companies in England. This copper jug represents their mastery in producing decorative household items with intricate details.
Materials
The primary material used in these jugs is copper, a popular choice due to its durability and workability. Copper also has a warm and attractive reddish tone, making it ideal for decorative objects. The copper jug is hand-beaten and hammered, giving it texture and depth. This hand-beaten finish is typical of Arts and Crafts pieces, where the texture is part of the design, emphasizing handcrafted rather than machine-made perfection.
The repoussé technique, used on this piece, involves hammering the copper from the inside to create an embossed design on the surface. The "reptile" motif is an example of nature-inspired Art Nouveau design, which often used flowing, organic forms, including animals and plants. The detailing would have been highlighted by skilled artisans, showcasing their ability to manipulate the copper into intricate designs.
Design Ideas and Motifs
The reptile design which was popular from about 1890 to 1910. This artistic movement focused on organic forms, often incorporating animals, plants, and other elements from nature into the design. The serpent or lizard-like reptile on this particular jug reflects the fascination with naturalism during the time, emphasizing fluid, curving lines and sinuous shapes. Such designs were considered avant-garde and fit into the larger cultural trend of rejecting industrialization’s rigidity and embracing nature’s artistry.
The jug’s ewer shape (a wide-bodied pitcher with a spout for pouring) and the long, curved handle are not only practical but also decorative. The handle is often designed to mirror the flowing curves of the repoussé motif, contributing to the overall aesthetic of the piece.
Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing of such a jug involved several steps:
- Shaping the Copper: The base of the jug would first be shaped, often through spinning or hammering. The form of the jug would be created by a skilled coppersmith.
- Repoussé Decoration: Once the basic form was made, the repoussé work would begin. Using specialized tools, artisans would hammer the metal to create the raised reptile design.
- Finishing Touches: The handle, rim, and spout would be added, and the entire jug would be polished to bring out the copper’s shine. Some pieces might be patinated or given an antiqued finish to highlight the repoussé design.
- Hand-beating: The jug would often receive a hand-beaten texture, enhancing its Arts and Crafts feel by giving it an authentic, hand-crafted look.
This type of jug represents a fusion of the Arts and Crafts movement’s emphasis on craftsmanship and the Art Nouveau love of organic, nature-inspired forms. The use of copper, hand-beaten texture, and intricate repoussé reptile designs makes it a unique and valuable piece, both artistically and historically. Joseph Sankey & Sons was one of the leaders in producing these kinds of functional yet decorative objects that embodied the artistry of their time.
