Images(2)

Saucer

Dateca. 1710

OriginAsia, China, Jingdezhen

MediumPorcelain, hard-paste

DimensionsD: 5"
H: 1"

Credit LineColonial Williamsburg Foundation

Object numberOBJ-09NA-01595

DescriptionSaucer excavated from the site of Henry Wetherburn’s Tavern, 09NA–01597Label TextThis saucer was recovered from the site now known as Wetherburn’s Tavern. Henry Wetherburn did not purchase this property until 1738, suggesting that this piece was likely owned by an earlier resident. Richard Bland is the first recorded occupant of the house, located on Duke of Gloucester Street. He was a member of the House of Burgesses and a friend of William Byrd of Westover. Given his prominence in the politics of early 18th-century Virginia, it would not be surprising if he had owned this saucer, even though it was decorated in a style most commonly associated with wares made for the Middle Eastern market and popular in 17th-century Europe.