Porringer with clover-shaped ear

Date1620-1640

MediumPewter

DimensionsOH: 1 5/8"; OL: 7"; Diam (rim): 5"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1983-202

DescriptionPewter porringer with clover-shaped ear with the initials "R/IP".
Label TextBy the second quarter of the seventeenth century, the porringer had assumed its immediately recognizable form. The body now consisted of a shallow bowl with inclined, curved sides that was fitted with a single handle or ear of shaped triangular plan with openwork designs. Handles on porringers of this date, whether of silver or pewter, are usually of geometric patterns, with diamonds or shields superimposed on trefoils the most popular. The bottom of this example is generally domed, without a delineated central boss, in much the same manner as are some contemporary dishes and bowls.

This porringer was retrieved from the River Thames outside London.
InscribedOwners' initials "R/IP" stamped on upper face of handle.
MarkingsTouch mark "S:F" with an apparent animal below within a beaded circle on underside of bowl.
ProvenanceExcavated on the banks of the Thames River, not far from Hampton Court Palace. Purchased from Richard Mundey, London.

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