Images(5)

Punch bowl

Date1750-1751

Artist/Maker Thomas Cooke II

Artist/Maker Richard Gurney

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsH(rim): approx. 5 3/4"; D(rim) 12"; D(base): 5 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1955-258

DescriptionPunch bowl: steep-sided hemisperical body with flat-chased border of scrolls, shells, flowers, and diapered sections below plain rim; body supported on short straight-sided tapered foot ring. "Industria. non. Invidia Sprezzo Bassezze" in script letters in circular arrangement on interior center-bottom of bowl. Inscribed Weight: "64=13" engraved on underside of base.
Label TextThe finely executed scrolled and diapered border on this commodious punch bowl is deeply chased, and its registration is clearly visible on the interior. The waterfall effect, which can be seen on the lower C-scrolls flanking the central device, is more common in Continental than in English rococo silver. The 1769 listing of the mortgaged silver of William Byrd III of Westover, Charles City County, Virginia, includes "2 Large Punch Bowls" with a value of £30. One of these bowls was sold in 1788 by his widow, Maria Byrd, to John Brown of Providence along with seven other pieces of family silver.
InscribedOwner's motto engraved on interior of bowl at base. "Sprezzo Bassezze" is probably a personal name.
MarkingsMaker's mark "RG" with "T" above and "C" below in script letters within a quatrefoil, leopard's head crowned, lion passant, and date letter on underside of base.
ProvenanceGarrard & Co. Ltd., London
Acquired by CWF in 1955.

Exhibition(s)