Flask or flacon

Art Historical Context

This striking flask, or flacon, crafted the renowned British firm Elkington & Co. in 19th-century Birmingham, is a faithful electrotype reproduction of a rare 1619–20 original from London. Standing an impressive 20 inches tall, it exemplifies the Victorian era's fascination with historical revivalism, blending Renaissance opulence with cutting-edge industrial innovation. Gifted to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in1883 by Henry G. Marquand, it resides in the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection, showcasing intricate metalwork adorned with fantastical monster motifs that evoke the grotesque whimsy of Mannerist design. Electroforming, the revolutionary technique pioneered by Elkington & Co., involved depositing a thin layer of copper via electrolysis onto a mold, then gilding it for a luxurious gold finish. This allowed mass production of exact replicas from fragile originals, democratizing access to treasures like this perfume flask—likely used for scented oils or as a ceremonial vessel. The process marked a pivotal shift in 19th-century decorative arts, bridging artisanal craftsmanship with the Industrial Revolution's precision. Adorned with snarling beasts and mythical creatures, the flask reflects early 17th-century British tastes for the macabre and marvelous, symbolizing abundance and the exotic. Visitors will appreciate its tactile gleam and narrative depth, a testament to how technology preserved cultural heritage for modern eyes.

About the Artist

Elkington & Co. · 1829–1963

Elkington & Co. was the Birmingham firm that transformed the production of decorative metalwork by commercializing electroplating — a process that made silver-quality objects accessible to a vastly wider public. The company was established by George Richards Elkington (1801–1865) and his cousin Henry Elkington during the 1830s, initially trading as G. R. Elkington & Co. A crucial turning point cam...