Christopher Dresser (1834-1904) initially studied botany and this interest extended to the stylised plant motifes used in his decorative design. He went on to become something of a pioneer and designed glass, ceramics and cast iron furniture for several manufacturers, but his outstanding works were well-researched items of functional metalwork, such as the claret jug here offered, which were some of the most strikingly 'modern' designs of the 19th Century.