In the 1850s Christopher Dresser, who had trained as a botanist and as a designer, began to write on the relationship between nature and design, promoting a simple and functional approach to the design of manufactured goods. Following a visit to Japan in 1876, he was strongly influenced by Japanese art and design and incorporated these ideas into his designs for British glass, ceramic, metal and furniture manufacturers.

This glass and silver-plated metal decanter illustrates Dresser's simple, geometric design style. The use of clear glass, framed by minimal bright metal, shows the colour of wine to maximum advantage.