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Covered Tea Canister
Marked by: Nicholas Sprimont (born in Liege, France, active in London) (1716–1771)
English (London)
1744–45
Object Place: Europe, London, England
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
H. 14.9 cm (5 7/8 in.); Diameter (body) 8.9 cm (3 1/2 in.); Weight: 558.5 gm (17 oz 19 dwt)
Credit Line
Jessie and Sigmund Katz Collection
Accession Number1988.1076a-b
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSilver
DescriptionEach canister is of inverted pear form resting on a spreading base. The foot is raised and chased with an abstract undulating motif. Between the top of the raised section and the base pf the body is a cast spacer of C-scrolls that is crudely soldered to both. The body of the vessel is raised and has three applied cast vertical ribs terminating in leaves. In the plain panels between them are applied stalks of plants: tea on the two smaller canisters, sugar cane on the larger. The rim, modeled with an undulating motif, is cast and applied. The raised cover is domed and chased with vertical fluting and surmounted with a cast finial - tea blossoms and berries on the smaller canisters, strawberries on the larger. The surface has suffered from overpolishing.
Marks
On each, on inside rim of foot, lion passant (repeated on bezel of cover); maker's mark NS (Grimwade 2102) (repeated on bezel of cover); leopard's head crowned; date letter i.
ProvenanceEstate of Victor George Henry Francis, Fifth Marquess Conyngham; Sold Christie's, London, 10 February 1938, lot 36, purchased by Thomas Lumley, London; Collection of Major W.M. Tapp by August 1938; Alex G. Lewis (b. 1895 - d. 1969) Collection, New York, by 1951; Lent by Mrs. S.J. Katz, 1973; Gift of Jessie and Sigmund Katz to the MFA. (Accession Date: November 30, 1988)
By 1973, Mr. and Mrs. Sigmund Katz [see note 1]; 1988, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Sigmund Katz. (Accession date: November 30, 1988)
NOTES:
[1] From June 25, 1973, on loan to the MFA from Mr. and Mrs. Sigmund Katz.
By 1973, Mr. and Mrs. Sigmund Katz [see note 1]; 1988, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Sigmund Katz. (Accession date: November 30, 1988)
NOTES:
[1] From June 25, 1973, on loan to the MFA from Mr. and Mrs. Sigmund Katz.