Cream Jug
Artist
Jean-Valentin Morel
(French, 1794 - 1860)
Manufacturer
Morel & Cie
(1842 - 1848)
Dateca. 1842-1848
MediumSilver with gilding
DimensionsOverall: 5 3/8 × 5 5/8 × 4 inches (13.65 × 14.29 × 10.16 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: the Lillian M. Diveley Fund
Object number2006.45.3
MarkingsMaker's mark AV tongs between, teapot and coffee pot additionally stamped Morel & Cie
On View
On viewGallery Location
- 125
Collections
DescriptionThe service is comprised of a lidded teapot, lidded coffeepot, cream jug and sugar bowl with lid. The pedestal bases of all four pieces are similar in style: three-petaled gilt leaves radiate from the center and the edge is encircled with a beaded gilt border. The teapot and sugar bowl have an onion-dome shaped bulb between their base and body. Each piece is of ovoid form cupped on four sides with a fluted and gilt-beaded shell. With the exception of the coffeepot, each shell is encircled with gilded and ribbed banding; the banding extends on the teapot to form a double looped handle. The shells are crowned with a cluster of gilded leaves, similar to type of leaves on the base, which radiate from a gilded flower head. The lids of the teapot and sugar bowls are formed by four inversed shells. The triangular areas formed between the shells are ornamented with flowers and foliage. The finials of the teapot and sugar bowl lids are in the form of a flower bud with gilded beading. The handles of the cream jug and the coffeepot are ornamented with gilded beading on the sides; the coffee pot handle also has gilded diagonal and crisscrossed gilded lacing and is inlaid with ivory. The coffeepot spout is decorated with tri-lobed triangular motifs enclosed in a lattice of gilded ribs that intersect on the sides with a vertical gilded rib and bead. The neck of the coffeepot is ornamented with scalework and gilded beading; the lid is helmet shaped and decorated with gilded scrolls and beading.Gallery LabelThis coffee and tea service displays a masterful combination of shimmering shells, plants, banding, and beading. Together, these elements satisfied the mid-1800s taste for nature, ornament, and luxury. Jean-Valentin Morel melded German and Italian Renaissance forms and motifs. The repoussé ridges and balls that appear to be applied were actually hand worked from the inside out. Fine details were achieved through chasing, or defining features added to the exterior surface of the silver.
Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information,
is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete.
Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a
particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum.
If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image,
please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.
