Rare French Craquelure Glass Champagne Decanter Jug 1870s

An unusual French, tactile craquelure or ‘ice’ glass Champagne decanter jug with glass rope twisted handle and side pocket to fill with ice, Circa 1870s.

Early champagnes contained sediment and thus required decanting. Decanting champagne might have seemed illogical, but if poured carefully little sparkle was lost and flat champange was even favourited by some connoisseurs since it allowed the flavour to develop and raised the temperature above the point that numbs the taste buds. 

This fabulous and large jug would work well for champagne (if you would like to try the old-fashioned way) or as a water jug. Fill the pocket with ice if required!