Images(3)

High Fruit Basket

Date1827-1838

Maker Tucker Porcelain Manufactory (1826-1838)

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumHard-paste porcelain

DimensionsOH: 8 3/8"; OD: 9 1/4" (basket); OW: 4 1/16" (foot).

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Edna and Ms. Wendy Tucker in memory of their husband and father, Edward Bolton “Teddy” Tucker, M.B.E.

Object number2020-460

DescriptionFruit basket: a square base supports a circular stepped foot that rises to a to a circular platform that supports a separate twenty-eight point reticulated basket with flaring rim. The basket is connected to the stem by a threaded iron rod extending from the interior bottom of the basket through the stem and tightened by a wing nut on the underside of the foot. The exterior of the basket is gilt; traces of gilding remain on the sides of the square base and on the foot and stem. The glaze is wiped on the underside of the foot and where the basket and stem connect.
Label TextWhen opening his Philadelphia factory in 1826, William Ellis Tucker (1800-1832) hoped to establish a domestic porcelain industry that could compete with European imports dominating the American market. One of two “high fruit Baskets” listed on a surviving custom order receipt, this impressive piece exemplifies the factory’s ability to imitate imported examples.

Members of Tucker’s extended family likely placed the order, which was “to be White and Gold." This style of reticulated basket with extensive gilding closely copies fashionable French examples of the early 19th century. The order receipt also lists two “low” baskets, which would have been similar in form but supported by shorter pedistal or a flat base instead of a stand.

The Virginia Tuckers are one branch of the family that owned pieces from William’s factory. Ann Evelina Tucker (1789-1855), wife of Henry St. George Tucker (1780-1848) and daughter-in-law to St. George Tucker of Williamsburg, documents the “Tucker china” in her will.

MarkingsThree short, straight lines incised side by side on base
ProvenanceDescended through the Tucker family, gift of Edna G. Tucker and Wendy S. Tucker.