A carafe is an open-topped glass container for serving water or wine at a table. This glass example was made at James Couper & Sons City Glass Works in Glasgow, in the 1880s. It was designed by Christopher Dresser.
The carafe's streaked pattern is typical of 'Clutha' glassware. 'Clutha' is the ancient, Roman name for a river god and the River Clyde - also used by the Celts. This vase was made by James Couper & Sons in Glasgow, which stands on the Clyde. Dresser's bubbled, Roman-style 'Clutha' glass was sold exclusively through the avant-garde shop, Liberty's in London, which registered it in 1888.
Glass was made in Scotland from at least the 17th century. By the 19th century high quality domestic and art glass was being made at centres in Edinburgh, Leith, Glasgow, Perth and Alloa.
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