Art Deco Tantalus by Hukin & Heath

Description

Art Deco tantalus by Hukin & Heath dating to circa 1920, fitted with two matching quilt cut decanters housed within a silver plated locking frame. The decanters are of distinctive pineapple form, their heavily cut bodies contrasting with the clean lines of the silver plated mount.

The frame is fitted with a loop carrying handle to the top and operates through a patented spring loaded mechanism. Once unlocked, the upper section lifts and rotates backwards, releasing the decanters for use whilst securing them firmly in place when locked. Designs such as this combined practical function with mechanical ingenuity, making the tantalus a popular feature of well-appointed homes during the early 20th century.

Both decanters retain their matching stoppers and display an attractive quilt cut pattern throughout. The silver plated frame is stamped to the rear base with the Hukin & Heath mark, model number 654 and the wording “Patent Applied For”, identifying the design as one of the firm’s patented models from the Art Deco period.

The tantalus is supplied complete with its working lock and tasselled key.

View the full Tantalus Collection.

Measurements

29cm High x 23.5cm Wide x 10.5cm Deep (11.4 High x 9.25 Wide x 4.13 Deep Inches)

Who were Hukin & Heath?

Hukin & Heath were Birmingham silversmiths established in 1855, known for producing both sterling silver and electroplated wares. The firm became widely recognised for its collaboration with Dr Christopher Dresser, whose designs introduced a more modern approach to decorative metalwork in the late 19th century.

Working from Birmingham with showrooms in London, they produced a wide range of domestic silver, including tableware, tea services, and decorative objects. The firm continued into the 20th century, becoming Hukin & Heath Ltd in 1904, and remained active until its closure in 1953.

For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on Hukin and Heath.

What was the Art Deco period?

The Art Deco period developed during the 1920s and 1930s as a decorative movement shaped by modern industry and changing taste. The name derives from the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, which marked a decisive move away from the flowing lines of Art Nouveau toward stronger geometry and defined structure.

Art Deco design is recognised for symmetry, stepped profiles and controlled surface detail. Natural subjects such as birds and animals were rendered in simplified, stylised form rather than naturalistic interpretation. Glass, chrome, silver plate, lacquer and contrasting veneers were commonly used to emphasise clarity of outline and finish.

What is Silver Plate?

Silver Plate refers to a method of applying a thin layer of silver to a base metal such as brass. Therefore it refers to an item which is not solid silver but plated to the outer coating.

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Additional information