Images(15)

Covered Basket

Date1770-1772

Maker American China Manufactory 1770-1773

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumSoft-paste porcelain (phosphatic)

DimensionsOH: 4 1/8"; Diam: 4 3/8"

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Rumford II

Object number1969-41,A&B

DescriptionCylindrical box or openwork basket with cover. The cover very slightly domed with small flange and flower form finial. The bottom third of the basket molded with horizontal bands. The upper third pierced to simulate a pattern of overlapping circles. At the various junctures of these circles, small modelled and applied rosettes. A comparable scheme of formal ornament on the central portion of the cover. The thick blue-green glaze with pooling and running over the white-buff body; the body with several kiln cracks. The contact points glazed. Underglaze blue decoration comprising highlights to the applied flowers, details on the finial, and a fret-work pattern on the edge of the cover and flange, as well as the molded portion of the body. The latter with a pattern of tassels descending. A "P" in underglaze blue to underisde of body and cover.Mark(s)"P" in underglaze blue to underisde of body and cover.ProvenanceCatherine Roberts (née Deshler), Philadelphia
by gift, in 1775, Ester Morton Roberts (her daughter)
by bequest, Elizabeth Clifford Canby (née Morris)
by bequest, Elizabeth Rumford (her daughter), Wilmington
by bequest, Lewis Rumford (her son), Wilmington
by Bequest, Lewis Rumford, II, (his nephew), Wilmington

Recorded in the Rumford family Catalogue of China as number 173 with the following description and line of descent: "Box open worked, blue & white – 1775 Catharine Roberts – Esther M. Roberts – Eliz C. Canby"