Demijohns - History

We find many of our gorgeous Demijohns in dusty old warehouses in Indonesia. So how did they end up there?!

These stunning glass bottles were used to transport oil, vinegar and other liquids on ships from Europe, pre WWII to the mainly Dutch colonies. 

They were often wrapped in wicker or placed in snug fitting baskets to protect them on the voyage.

The islands of Indonesia offered many lucrative opportunities for traders and merchants.

The Dutch East India Trading Company (or VOC) sought to monopolize the supply of precious spices from the islands, such as nutmeg, cloves and pepper. 

The merchant ships (such as these pictured) would arrive into the ports of Java and Sumatra filled with supplies for the settlers.

Leaving laden with the exotic spices, which were once one of the world's most valuable commodities. 

The Japanese invasion and subsequent occupation during WWII ended colonial dominance, and in 1949 Indonesian independence was won.

The legacy of the colonies and the Dutch East India Trading Company remains to this day.

Many of the items we are able to source in Indonesia have their origins in Europe, such as our divine demijohns.

Quite a story!!! View our range of Demijohns here.

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