This so-called cruciform decanter was formed in an iron dip mold, into which the glassblower placed a gather of hot glass to blow the basic shape. After withdrawing the glass from the dip mold, the glassblower finished the remainder of the form with hand tools. The neck was lengthened and a string of glass was applied around the top to allow for a secure grip when pouring. Such decanters did not have stoppers, as servers would have filled them with wine from a barrel and brought them directly to the table.

Scholars differ on the purpose of the decanter’s form. Some have suggested that it was intended to provide faster cooling of the contents when the decanter was immersed in cold water; others believe it was purely decorative.

Archaeological fragments in the collection of the Charleston Museum in South Carolina demonstrate the presence of these decanters in colonial America.