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Salver
Marked by: Thomas Pitts (I) (English, first mark 1756)
English (London)
1763–64
Object Place: Europe, London, England
Medium/Technique
Silver gilt
Dimensions
H. 11 cm (4 5/16 in.); Diameter 72.7 cm (28 5/8 in.);
Weight: 8, 355 gm (268 oz 12 dwt)
Weight: 8, 355 gm (268 oz 12 dwt)
Credit Line
European Decorative Arts Acquisitions Fund
Accession Number1989.311a
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSilver
DescriptionThe round salver has a shaped openwork border filled with tea plants, flowers, C-scrolls, and four pagodas. It is assembled from many cast sections. At intervals in the border are four large seated chinoiserie figures wearing flowing robes and slippers, modeled in high relief. Two play sitarlike instruments and two hold tea bowls and saucers. The plateau is supported by four cast openwork feet, formed by C-scrolls and covered with tea plants and flowers. The center section of the plateau, formed from sheet, is set into a folded rim that is soldered onto the back of the border. The salver retains its iron-bound oak case.
Marks
Date letter h; lion passant (repeated on border); leopard's head crowned; on underside, maker's mark TP (Grimwade 2875) (repeated on border)
InscriptionsARMORIALS: Engraved in the center, the arms of Portman impaling Wyndham for Henry William Portman co. Somerset,(1738-1796), and his wife, Anne, daughter of William Wyndham co. Wiltshire.
INSCRIPTIONS: engraved on back, 268=16.
INSCRIPTIONS: engraved on back, 268=16.
ProvenanceBefore 1958, Thomas Lumley Ltd., London (dealer); June 27, 1958, purchased from Lumley by Paul Wallraf (1898-1981); around 1983, purchased by Rainer Zietz, London (dealer); purchased from Spink & Son, Ltd., London, European Decorative Arts Acquisitions Fund. (Accession Date: November 29, 1989)