Description

An elegant Silver-plated Boar’s Head Pitcher Set by Spanish manufacturer Valenti is shown here, finished with realistic glass eyes.

In addition to its ribbed design, the bulbous glass pitcher/claret jug boasts a realistic Boars head. The mouth is hinged for ease of filling, and the jaw of the pitcher can be used for pouring. A tail-like detail is incorporated into the handle’s shape which bears the marks for Valenti on the inside edge.

Among its contents are four silver-plated stirrup cups in the form of a boar’s head, which were given to riders immediately before they left for or returned from a hunt, while they were in their stirrups. Due to their association with hunting, the bases of the cups began to have the shape of animals such as foxes, deer, horses, and dogs. Bases of the cups were designed to enable them to stand properly, usually using the ears and nose of the particular animal’s head to make three solid points of contact. Their design often made them easy to hold as well.

Pitcher Size
Height 29cm
Width 20cm
Depth 26cm

Cup Size
Height 15cm
Width 8cm
Depth 8cm

Click here to explore our collection of Dinner Party and Entertainment pieces.

The Tantalus is named after ‘Tantalos’ – a character from Greek Mythology who offended the Gods. He was condemned to eternal hunger and thirst in the afterlife and imprisoned in a pool of water surrounded by fruit trees. When he’d reach out to drink the water or eat the fruit, the water would drain away resulting in the tree branches to move out of his reach! It is from ‘Tantalos’’ punishment that the word ‘tantalise’ originates. A Tantalus is a decorative Stand, Case or Box for glass or cut glass decanters. The first lockable Tantalus appeared around the mid 19th Century and was first seen in England around 1870.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

Additional information