Images(6)

Epergne

Date1762-1763

Marked by Thomas Pitts I (active ca. 1744-1793)

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsOH: 26 1/2"; OW: 28"; OD: 27 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-580,A-Z

DescriptionEpergne: florid (cast) finial surmounts uppermost pagoda, which resembles a flat-top Chinese umbrella with sixteen spines. Eight bells are hung from curled-up ends of every other spine. Pierced and repousse leaves between spines. Uppermost pagoda supported by four round pillars with base and capital, and wound around with leafy and florid vine. These pillars are bolted to upper section of lower pagoda. Lower pagoda surmounted by a large cast pineapple adorned with chased leaves at its top and base. Lower pagoda echoes upper one, but is about twice as large. Has also sixteen spines, with eight bells hanging from curled-up ends of every other spine; leaves between spines pierced, chased, and repousse. Lower pagoda supported similarly by four cast pillars decorated with spiraling leafy and florid vine. These four pillars are removable. Lower pagoda surmounts a large oval pierced basket which has a heavy and asymmetrical border of C-scrolls and flowers. A cartouche is engraved in the center of the bowl of this basket. This basket, which is detachable, is flanked by four serpentine arms composed of forward and reverse C-scrolls. Arms stem from base of basket, and are detachable. Arms terminate in three projections which hold horizontally placed rings, into which fit the round bases of the four round, detachable dishes. The bowls of these dishes are repousse; their edges are decorated with C-Scrolls, cartouches, and flowers. An apron of scrolls, leaves, and flowers is between four large and heavily scrolled legs. At the uppermost section of these legs are four reverse scrolls, which are detachable. Legs terminate in scrolled and leafy feet which rest flat upon the table.
Label TextThis epergne is an excellent example of the harmonious blending of chinoiserie and rococo elements. It may be the only English epergne with a double pagoda canopy, although a number of single-pagoda examples, principally by Pitts, are known. The use of a central canopy did not originate with Pitts. It had been previously employed by Charles Ballin of Paris in his epergne of 1727/28 in the Hermitage Museum; by George Wickes of London in his epergne of 1745/46 after a design by William Kent in the English royal collections; and by Thomas Heming of London in his epergne of 1753/54. The latter example has a small canopy of pagoda form. Heming also fashioned an epergne for George III in the same year as the Williamsburg example with a canopy based on that of the previously mentioned epergne by Wickes after a design by Kent, also made for royal use.

Thomas Pitts, like his son, William, who succeeded him, specialized in the production of epergnes and pierced basketwork. Until Arthur Grimwade published his study of the Garrard ledgers in 1961, Pitts's mark had long been attributed to Thomas Powell, Jackson having made a tentative attribution of the mark to that maker in 1905. Grimwade discovered in the "workmens" ledger for 1766 to 1775 that Pitts supplied Parker and Wakelin with a number of epergnes.

This is but an instance of the substantial traffic in goods produced by specialist makers and supplied within the trade for retailing. It is only reasonable that Parker and Wakelin would rely on Pitts for epergnes, considering the extensive amount of piercing and the necessary pattern work for cast elements, such as aprons, legs and feet, arms for saucers and baskets, as well as the applied rims for these, and the flower-wrapped, columnar canopy supports and finials.

Pitts may have fitted the epergne originally with a lower set of arms, supporting four additional saucers or, more likely, sweetmeat baskets. The slots for these on the shoulders of the legs are fitted with contemporary removable plugs with scrolled ends, marked by Pitts. The epergne was sold in 1902 and illustrated by Jackson in 1911 having but a single set of arms.

Thomas Pitts I and his son William, who succeeded him, supervised a shop specializing in the production of pierced baskets and epergnes, or centerpieces. Used to display fruits and sweetmeats, these showy items commanded the central position on the dining tables of the wealthy. This epergne is the only double-pagoda shaped example known today.
InscribedBlank cartouche engraved within central basket on base. An apparent shop number "470" is precisely engraved on the underside of the central basket. "N. 369 " is scratched in the same location.
MarkingsFour marks: London hallmark(leopard's head crowned); date letter of 1762-63 (capital G within shield); maker's mark (T•P within rectangle); and assay mark (lion passant within shield). See References/Remarks for details about location of marks.
ProvenanceThe epergne was owned by Messers Carrington & Co. in 1911. It was subsequently owned by Gerrard & Co., Ltd., who sold it to Colonial Williamsburg.

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