Demijohn: its history or its various stories? The object that everyone is tracking right now has two versions of its creation and origin. You choose the story that inspires you the most, the legend or the historical narrative!
A romantic story
It seems that Queen Jane (Jone of Naples) would have given part of her name to this blown glass bottle. After being expelled from Naples, she reportedly fled to Provence. During a storm, she took refuge in the house of a glass craftsman who blew in front of her. Worried about the queen, he blew too hard and produced a 10L bottle, much larger than usual and spherical. This is how she created the one to whom the queen wanted to give a more modest name than her own title, and from Queen Jane she became a demijohn.
Demijohn, its true story
After explaining the legend of the demijohn, we will tell you what is probably the true story. Originally called a dāmghān, Persian glass artisans designed this highly prized carafe. Ideally located on the Silk Road, they would have distributed this container and its goods throughout Europe. His name would have changed as he passed through these different countries.
Thus in Catalonia it would have taken the name of damajana, in North Africa damacana, or even damajuana in Spanish… The demijohn was used to transport brandy or wine, oil or vinegar. Their large volume was especially suitable for these liquid products (a cork stopper made them airtight and they were covered in wicker with handles to protect them).
Demijohn an essential decorative object
Today the demijohn is a true aesthetic success and can be placed inside and outside the house, serve as a vase or decorative object. They are found in all decoration brands, however they have also been manufactured industrially. So to recognize the quality and authenticity of a demijohn, I invite you to observe some details.
In fact, an antique item will have a ragged appearance, will contain bubbles, and will have no seams. The bottom of the bottle will include a slight blister or signature, a trace of its manual manufacture. Its color can also testify to its age, keep in mind that white glass is generally quite recent.
The demijohn is a sublime aesthetic object, adorned with a bouquet of dried flowers or driftwood, a light garland on its round belly, it will create a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Outside, in a flower garden or on a terrace, near a water source or on a low wall, it will also find a suitable location.
The fineness of the glass or the smoke of its tint will produce sparkling and soft light effects that will make you feel at home…