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Bowl
Assayer: Antonio Forcada y La Plaza (active 1790–1818)
1790–1818
Object Place: Mexico City, Mexico
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
6.98 cm (2 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Miss Evelyn Sears
Accession Number61.1290
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsSilver hollowware
The irregular and shallow scratches that radiate from the center of this lobed vessel indicate that it saw much use. Large forms such as this bowl, as well as the next two examples (cat. nos. 404 – 405), were rarely found in North America because of the great amount of silver required for their fabrication. In Mexico, however, where the silver-rich mines of Sultepec, Zumpango, Taxco, and Zacatecas yielded enormous quantities, these weighty vessels were the norm.
This text has been adapted from "Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000," edited by Jeannine Falino and Gerald W.R. Ward, published in 2008 by the MFA. Complete references can be found in that publication.
This text has been adapted from "Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000," edited by Jeannine Falino and Gerald W.R. Ward, published in 2008 by the MFA. Complete references can be found in that publication.
DescriptionThe raised shallow vessel has a center point and is embellished with lobes that softly radiate outward from the center point and evert slightly to form a narrow scalloped rim with applied molded edge.
Marks
Assayer’s mark “FCDA” within a rectangle; location mark “M” crowned within a shaped cartouche; and fiscal mark of an eagle within a shaped cartouche, all struck from left to right on rim. Zigzag line left by assayer’s graver visible on underside.
InscriptionsNone.