The Penguin Jar
THE HISTORY OF THIS FUNNY ARGENTINEAN DECANTER
This peculiar ceramic jar that looks like a penguin has been used by Argentines for almost a century.
The origin of the “Penguin” is believed to have arrived to Argentina with the mass Italian immigration on the 1930’s along with a boom in the local production of wine and the need to create a receptacle of practical size.
The large wineries began to transfer wine in bulk to the cities and big consumption areas, to be marketed in various sizes of packaging and in general that task was done by the owners of the “Cantinas”, “Pulperías” or wine sellers. The focus was on the quantity of the wine and not on the quality at the time.
The most common receptacle used for storage at wholesalers or restaurants at that time were huge glass bottles called “Damajuanas” often holding over 20 liters of liquid (around 5 gallons) but with no specific measurement and scarcely any labeling.
So, when the waiter had to serve wine to his customers, he needed a smaller jar to place on the table.
This is how this funny animal appeared across the country and was used extensively in shops and also in Argentinian homes, especially between the 1950’s and the 1970’s. Some may say that the shape of it was useful so as to pour the wine easily and freely through the beak and at the same time it was easy to refill for the next use. On top of that, it looked nice as well! The original ones were of a liter but now we find them in many shapes, sizes and colors.
The Pinguin at work in an Argentinean Restaurant
Nowadays, “Pinguinos” are mostly use for decoration.
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