Although the Edwardian Era (1901-1910) was short lived, it nevertheless provided a significant aesthetic contribution, not to mention a leap forward towards social Modernity. The period is defined by the reign of British monarch King Edward VII. His Mother, Queen Victoria, had just concluded a 63 year reign—at the time, the longest reign of any British monarch. Edward's ascendance marked a fresh start as well as a new century, one brimming with potential. Furthermore, the passing of Victoria marked the end of a four-decade-long period of national mourning for her beloved husband, Prince Albert (who had died in 1861).
In the decorative arts, Victorian heaviness was (slowly) replaced with cleaner lines, lighter embellishment, and an increasing embrace of modernity (and modern manufacturing methods). In the social realm, women were increasingly educated, modernized, and (some were) pushing for the advancement of their sex. Those who had been enslaved in the not-too-distant past still were negotiating their futures in a world which did not always welcome them.
World War I (1914-1918), put the hard stop to the Edwardian period. The Great War had sweeping ramifications for nations, not to mention the outlooks of the people who lived in them. In the war, the advances of the Modern World had now been turned-against humanity itself. This provided a "wake-up call" which could not be ignored. In some ways, the Edwardian Era could be considered the beginning of social modernity. In other ways, it could be considered "the end of innocence" before the destruction of World War I.
This little glass jam pot—a staple on any Edwardian breakfast table—is lightly (though intricately) hand-carved with a checkered, graphic decoration. Silver-plated mounts are applied, including a nicely-ribbed handle and a lightly-embellished lid. While it could still be used for jam today, it would also be a handy place to store desk, kitchen or vanity supplies: clips, salts or cotton swabs. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248