Epergne
Artist
Thomas Pitts I
(English, active ca. 1744 - 1793)
Date1761
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 24 × 40 inches (60.96 × 101.6 cm)
Credit LineThe Folgers Coffee Silver Collection, Gift of The Procter & Gamble Company; Collected by Joseph S. Atha
Object numberF99-21/59 A-X
On View
On viewGallery Location
- 121
Collections
DescriptionA multi-piece assemblage consisting of five pierced baskets and four round trays suspended from eight arms around a central support. The central segment consists of an openwork basket under a canopy from which eight bells are suspended. On the top of the canopy is a pineapple finial. The work is in the Chinese style.Gallery LabelThis epergne, or centerpiece with baskets and trays, is an exotic example of the most complex of silver forms. The maker, Thomas Pitts, specialized in these multi-purpose pieces meant to facilitate a new dining style where guests helped themselves, rather than being assisted by servants. The epergne's center basket displayed flowers or exotic fruits, and the surrounding baskets were filled with sweetmeats or candied fruit. The pagoda-shaped canopy with bells reflects European interest in Asian-inspired ornament, while the sinuous curves reflect the influence of the Rococo style.
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