The Venetian Villa Crystal Decanter ๐๐ธ
This decanter is like mountain stream that decided to put on a suit of armour. โ๏ธ๐ง
๐๐ธ The Crystal ๐๐ธ
The body is a tall, slender pillar of mouth-blown crystal, so clear it looks like it was carved from a single block of Alpine ice.
๐ The Pewter Overcoat ๐ธ
The "armour" is a rich, hand-finished pewter (stamped "Etain 95%", which is the French and European mark for high-quality pewter) that drapes over the shoulders of the decanter like a royal cape.
๐๐ธ The Stopper ๐๐ธ
Perched atop the crystal neck is a matching pewter-capped stopper, looking very much like a tiny, jewelled helmet for a very sophisticated liquid.
๐๐ธ The Markings ๐๐ธ
On the underside of the pewter "arch," you can see the "Lavorato a Mano" (Hand-Worked) stamp alongside the characteristic pewter hallmarks, proving it was touched by human hands in the workshops of Northern Italy.
๐๐ธ This decanter carries the weight of centuries of Italian jewelled craftsmanship, reimagined for a modern Australian bar cart.
๐๐ธ Arte Italica was founded to celebrate the "Art of Italy," specifically the ancient tradition of pewter-smithing that dates back to the Renaissance. Unlike the shiny, loud metals of the modern world, this pewter is designed to have a "soft" glow, gaining a unique patina (a sophisticated word for "personality") as it ages.
๐๐ธThat "Etain 95%" stamp is a vow of purity. It means the piece is lead-free and made of the finest pewter available, ensuring your favourite flavoursโbe it a rich port or a crisp ginโremain untainted and magnificent.
There is some wear on the pewter as to be expected. Please see photos.
All items are in vintage and antique preloved condition. Some minor surface scratches may be present. I do my best to note and photograph any wear. Please contact me with any further questions :)
