Superb Quality English 24% Lead Crystal Double Decanter Tantalus (13/33cm, 5kg)

  

Superb Quality Brand New English 24% Lead Crystal Double Decanter Tantalus In Perfect Condition. Please browse all 12 sets of photographs attached for full details as they are self explanatory. This is a fantastic quality modern reproduction item with a magnetic drop down front flap. It does not require a key as the key hole is for appearance only. Looks and feels the part and is fit to grace the best of tables.

Traditionally a tantalus is a small wooden cabinet containing a couple of decanters. Its defining feature is that it has a lock and key.

The aim of that is to stop unauthorised people drinking the contents while still allowing them to be on show. The name is a reference to the unsatisfied temptations of the Greek mythological character Tantalus.

Tantalus was most famous for his eternal punishment in Tartarus. He was made to stand in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree with low branches, with the fruit ever eluding his grasp, and the water always receding before he could take a drink. The Greeks used the proverb "Tantalean punishments" in reference to those who have good things but are not permitted to enjoy them. The name of Tantalus is still recognisable today, for the name of the king gives rise to the English word tantalise.

Tantalus would attempt to steal some of the ambrosia and nectar served at the banquets in an attempt to make himself immortal. The original patent of the first crystal tantalus in 1881 (UK Patent 58948) was by George Betjemann, a cabinet maker from the Netherlands. Betjemann & Sons had workshops at 3442 Pentonville Road, London from the 1830s. Original Betjemann articles should have brass or silver plate stamps signifying their authenticity. Later models, in completely different styles, were also called "The Betjemann Tantalus" even though no cabinetry was present and they were not made at the Pentonville works. Betjemann was the grandfather of the English poet John Betjeman, who in his book Summoned by Bells called the tantalus the source of the family fortune. The item "Superb Quality English 24% Lead Crystal Double Decanter Tantalus (13/33cm, 5kg)" is in sale since Sunday, November 22, 2020. This item is in the category "Pottery, Porcelain & Glass\Glass\Crystal/ Cut Glass\Crystal/ Cut Glass Objects\Decanters & Jugs". The seller is "santoor-uk" and is located in Salford, Greater Manchester. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Type of Glass: Crystal
• Object Type: Decanter / Tantalus
• Glassware Type: Crystal/ Cut Glass
• Colour: Clear
• Style: Elizabeth II
• Original/Reproduction: Contemporary Original
• Country of Origin: Britain
• MPN: Not Applicable
• Maker: English Cut Crystal
• Glassmaking Technique: Hand Blown