Georgian Small Square Spirit Decanter for ‘Shrub’ c.1810

This is a charming example of a small spirit decanter for the cordial or mixer known as ‘Shrub’ and dating to around 1810.

The decanter is square in section with chamfered corners. It has a scalloped rim with eight lobes and a pouring spout. The short tapering shoulder is cut with twelve facets. Below this is a band of faceted diamond cuts above two deep vertical cut bands. Each side of the decanter is cut in the lower part with a band of pillar cuts with rounded upper margins. The chamfered corners are each cut with three long vertical pillar cuts.

On one side, the decanter is engraved with the word ‘SHRUB’.

The base is star cut in the centre.

The stopper is of short solid ball form and is star-cut at the apex. Below this is a band of faceted diamonds to echo the design on the body. The neck is cut with a band of facets, which terminate at the broad, ground peg. The neck of the decanter is also ground to allow for close fitting with the stopper.

It is possible this was used in a tavern, where ‘Shrub’ was added to rum and brandy to make a popular drink during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The decanter has a maximum height (including the stopper) of 20.0cm and a width across the base of 7.1cm.

It has an unwrapped weight of 620g.

It is in well-used condition, with numerous small chips and scratches to the body and stopper. There is also some minor water-marking on the base of the interior. There are also some air bubbles and enclosed pieces of frit within the glass. This damage can be seen in the pictures and is reflected in the price.