Images(10)

Centerpiece: "Grand Platt Menage"

Date1770-1780

Artist/Maker Leeds Pottery

OriginEngland, Leeds

MediumLead-glazed earthenware (cream-colored earthenware / creamware)

DimensionsOH(A-C): 23 5/8"; A) H. 13 3/8" Diam. disk: 14 15/16"; ODiam: 17 1/2"; B) H: 5 13/16" Diam. 6 3/8"; C) H: 6 5/8" Diam: 5 1/8"; D) H: 5 7/8" Diam: 2 5/8" + Handle: 3 7/16"; E) H: 6 7/8" Diam: 2 1/2" Diam.+Handle: 3 3/4"; F) H: 4 13/16" Diam: 2 9/16", Handle-spout: 3 7/16"; G) H: 4 15/16" Diam: 2 9/16"; Handle- spout: 3 3/8"; H) L: 5 3/8" W: 4 1/2" H. of handle: 2 7/16"; I) L: 5 3/8" W: 4 1/2" H. of Handle: 2 3/8"; J) L: 5 7/16" W: 4 3/8" H. of handle: 2 1/2"; K) L: 5 7/16" W. 4 1/2" H. of handle: 2 5/16".

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Murdoch, Jr.

Object number1968-78,A-K

DescriptionCenterpiece or Grand Platt Menage consisting of:

A) Central column with shaft to hold B, Corinthian capital, ogee shaft spreading at the base above freeze of swags molded in relief, and spreading molding; attached to center of large circular disk with molded edge and cylindrical side having four bracket cut-outs; four double "S" scroll straps attach to both column and disk, each strap with hook for moveable baskets and two permanently attached containers; the four containers near the top, small octagonal dishes with diamond shaped punch-outs; the four lower consist of two molded scallop shells and two oval baskets encircled with diamond punched-out bands and relief molded acanthus leaves and husks; attached to disk between straps, four cylinders (to hold casters and cruets) encircled with diamond punch-out bands.

B) Urn-shape with acanthus molded band on rim, four masks within scrolls and connected by swags molded on side, elongated acanthus leaves above spreading shaft base, and two-tiered square plinth; four supporters of winged mermaids encircle piece connecting side and plinth.

C) Domed cover for B, encircled with bands of acanthus leaves and egg-and-dart design; finial of semi-draped Classical female figure holding cornucopia in right arm and rope in left hand, standing on a square double tiered plinth.

D,E) Baluster-shaped casters with permanently attached "covers" with knop finials and punched holes (E having fewer and larger holes), loop handles with branches and floral sprigs at upper terminals and spreading bases.

F,G) baluster shaped jugs with projecting lip spouts, loop handles with branches and floral sprigs at top terminals and spreading bases.

H, I, J, K) Oval baskets (to hang on strap-hooks of A) with large wavy rim molded in acanthus leaves, diamond-shaped punched design on four sides, and "S"-shaped twisted, reeded, bale handles attached on reverse with floral terminals.Mark(s)None found.ProvenanceEx-collection: Donald C. Towner, sold at auction: Sotheby & Co., CATALOGUE OF WELL-KNOWN COLLECTION OF ENGLISH CREAMWARE, Feb. 13, 1968 (London, 1968), lot 118.