Advanced Search 
Bowl
Designed by: Arthur Stone (American, born in England, 1847–1938)
Made by: Herbert A. Taylor (born in 1871)
Made by: Herbert A. Taylor (born in 1871)
about 1908–37
Object Place: Gardner, Massachusetts, United States
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
10.5 x 23.9 cm (4 1/8 x 9 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Benjamin Pierce Cheney Donation
Accession Number1977.19
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsSilver hollowware
This bowl is reminiscent of eighteenth-century Chinese export porcelain lotus bowls and thus relates to Boston’s predominant taste for colonial design and ornament. The fluid, attenuated floral decoration, however, aligns it with the Art Nouveau style, which had become popular by the turn of the twentieth century. This piece was the first by Stone to enter the Museum’s collection.
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 bowl has a slightly flaring lip with a molded edge. The sides are curved, and the foot band is splayed and molded. The sides contain nine incised lotus-petal panels, with a lily blossom and leaves between each, just below the bowl’s lip.
Marks
“STERLING / Stone [with profile of incuse chasing hammer stamped across St] / T” struck on base, near edge.
InscriptionsNone.
ProvenanceOriginal owner unknown; purchased by the Museum in 1977 from Firestone and Parsons, Inc., Boston.