Antique Dutch Crystal Cruet with Stopper | c. 1900

Small jug, enormous sense of occasion. This Dutch crystal little number has a sweeping handle, a neat pouring lip and a round-topped stopper that looks as though it is waiting for someone to announce dinner. We had toast planned, but apparently we are making an effort now.

Dating to around 1900, it pairs a rounded, faceted body with a wonderfully generous loop handle. The crystal catches the light without needing half the sideboard to itself. A considerate houseguest, then. Unlike the ones who arrive with three bags and ask whether you have oat milk.

Its turn-of-the-century date places it right at the meeting point of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. That is quite a stretch of history for something this small. We cannot tell you whose table it sat on, and the maker has not been identified, but we rather like the thought of giving an object from that moment a place in a thoroughly modern dining room. It has outlasted plenty of decorating trends already.

Measuring 12 x 8 x 13 cm and weighing 375 g, it makes a lovely compact display piece for a dining-room dresser or a collection of old glass. Give it a little daylight and some breathing room. It does not need a supporting cast of twelve matching glasses to look pleased with itself.

Please note: the stopper has a small area of damage, shown in the close-up photograph. This is part of the item's condition and should be considered before purchase.

• Origin: the Netherlands
• Date: circa 1900
• Material: crystal
• Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 13 cm
• Weight: 375 g
• Loop handle, pouring lip and removable round-topped stopper
• Condition note: small damage to the stopper
• Maker: unidentified

An antique, pre-owned piece, offered for decorative display. Please inspect all seven photographs, especially the stopper close-up.

WARNING: This little cruet may make everything beside it look as though it has turned up to dinner in a tracksuit. Maison de L'oro accepts no responsibility if your sideboard develops standards and starts rejecting plastic bottles.