Dish

Dateca. 1662

MediumPewter

DimensionsOW. (rim) 4", Diam 20 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1974-176

DescriptionDish circular plan with broad flat inclined rim with plain edge on face and single bed on underside; short booge to flat base dome in center.
Label TextThis is one of a small and highly important group of fewer than twenty large dishes made to celebrate the marriage of Charles II to Catherine of Braganza in 1662. The well of each of these is filled with the Stuart coat of arms engraved within the collar of the Garter framed by an elaborate wriggle-engraved surround with crest, supporters, and motto, as well as various leafed and scrolled embellishments. The booge or the short, curved sides of the well of this and other examples bids tribute to Charles II, and the lion supporter is rendered with his crowned likeness. Their rims are often engraved with running naturalistic decoration, usually featuring royal symbols such as roses and acorns. It is difficult to give a precise count as to how many of these dishes have survived, because their rarity and desirability to both collectors and institutions have prompted a number of fakes.

These dishes are one of the earliest and principal exemplars of wriggle engraving. Most examples of this decorative engraving date from the decades immediately before and after the turn of the eighteenth century.

Inscribed"Vivat Rex Carolus Secundus Beati Pacifici [Long Live Charles II, Blessed Peacemaker] 1662" engraved on face in booge. Owners' initials "N/IE" and "O/IE" stamped on either side of large sunburst on face of rim at top.
MarkingsTouch mark an eagle displayed with "H" to the left and "R" to the right within an outlined and beaded circle on underside of rim (Cotterell 5972b; Peal MPM 5972b). Pseudo hallmarks: (1) fleur-de-lis, (2) leopard's head, and (3) lion passant stamped within separate shaped shields on face of rim.
ProvenanceR.W. Cooper, Woodborough, Nottinghamshire (purchased from Richard Mundey of London prior to 1955). Sold after his death at Sotheby & Co. in London on July 25, 1974, when Colonial Williamsburg purchased this dish.

Exhibition(s)