Description
Demijohn is an old word that formerly referred to any glass vessel with a large body and small neck, enclosed in wickerwork. In France, the Demijohn is called Dame Jeanne, literally Lady Jane.
The story says that in 1347, the Queen Jane (la Reine Jeanne) was expelled from her kingdom and went to take refuge in the Provence region of France. Walking through the towns of Grasse and Draguigan, she came across a gentleman glass blower in the hamlet of Saint Paul la Galline Grasse. The queen asked to be shown the glassblowing. Nervous in the presence of royalty, the glassworker blew in the bit of his cane, and overdid the blowing and produced an enormous bottle, which was admired by all for its volume of about ten litres. It caused so much admiration that he decided to start manufacturing those big flasks and called them Reine Jeanne Queen-Jane, but the Queen suggested modestly to give them the name of Dame Jeanne Lady Jane instead. To protect this big bottle, the glass blower dressed it in wicker.
The glass has imperfections due to the nature of the process but no cracks or chips.
Please remember when buying vintage items they will have signs of use but that is also what makes them so unique. We do our best to photograph and explain the condition of the item as best we can. If you have any questions about a particular item please contact us. Please take the time to look at all pictures
Product Code: 30546