Tantalus Decanter Set: Holder, Two Decanters, Two Caps, Lock, Key
Decorative Arts and Design
On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
MEDIUM
Chromed brass, colorless and frosted glass, white metal
DATES
ca. 1930
DIMENSIONS
11 11/16 x 7 3/8 x 3 5/8 in. (29.7 x 18.7 x 9.2 cm)
(show scale)
MARKINGS
Proper left underside of handle on holder, stamped: "RUSSEL WRIGHT"
SIGNATURE
no signature
INSCRIPTIONS
no inscriptions
no inscription
ACCESSION NUMBER
1992.247a-g
CREDIT LINE
Marie Bernice Bitzer Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
"Tantalus" decanter set; chromed brass, colorless and frosted glass. T-shaped, chromed brass holder (a) with 2 cylindrical frosted glass decanters (b, c) each with opposing 1/2 in. vertical, colorless glass strips and small cylindrical metal caps (d, e). Pierced, disk-shaped lock (f) attached to holder by metallic ball chain. Holder has circular double-coaster base attached to central squared vertical bar which rises to a flat, oblong, center-pierced movable plate which fits atop decanter caps and continues to a fixed, flat oblong metal handle. Retains original key (g).
CONDITION: Overall condition is fair. Chrome plating is severely worn on top handle, decanter lids and top edge of decanter supports. Glass decanters and holder need cleaning.
CAPTION
Russel Wright (American, 1904–1976). Tantalus Decanter Set: Holder, Two Decanters, Two Caps, Lock, Key, ca. 1930. Chromed brass, colorless and frosted glass, white metal, 11 11/16 x 7 3/8 x 3 5/8 in. (29.7 x 18.7 x 9.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Marie Bernice Bitzer Fund, 1992.247a-g. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1992.247a-g_bw.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 1992.247a-g_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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