Images(5)

Punch Bowl

Date1765 (dated)

OriginEngland, Liverpool

MediumTin-glazed earthenware (delft / delftware)

DimensionsOH: 4 3/16"; OD: 10 5/8", 4 7/16" (base)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1959-40

DescriptionShallow bowl with cylindrical foot ring. Whitish tin glaze decorated in blue: on the exterior, an English landscape scene; on the interior, a device incorporating Masonic emblems and the date 1765.
Label TextThe Masonic emblem depicted on the interior of this punch bowl was derived from a pierced piece of jewelry worn by Freemasons during the second half of the eighteenth century. The only recorded delft bowl with correct arms is in Freemasons' Hall in London. The interior border seen here is typical of those on Liverpool ship bowls (see CWF accession 1958-539). Delft pieces showing European landscapes including houses with windows resembling roman numerals such as these have been excavated in Williamsburg at the James Anderson House (IOAB.2326).
InscribedA device incorporating Masonic emblems and the date 1765 are on the interior of the bowl.
MarkingsNone

Exhibition(s)