Supper Set
Manufacturer
Worcester Royal Porcelain Company
(English, founded 1751)
Dateca. 1820-1830
MediumPorcelain with enamel and gilding
DimensionsAssembled: 8 7/8 x 19 1/2 x 16 3/4 inches (22.53 x 49.53 x 42.55 cm)
A,B: 8 7/8 x 9 x 6 1/4 inches (22.53 x 22.86 x 15.88 cm)
C,D: 3 3/4 x 11 3/4 x 6 1/2 inches (9.53 x 29.85 x 16.51 cm)
E,F: 3 3/4 x 1/8 x 6 3/4 inches (9.53 x 0.33 x 17.15 cm)
G,H: 3 3/4 x 10 1/4 x 7 1/4 inches (9.53 x 26.04 x 18.42 cm)
I,J: 3 3/4 x 10 x 7 1/4 inches (9.53 x 25.4 x 18.42 cm)
A,B: 8 7/8 x 9 x 6 1/4 inches (22.53 x 22.86 x 15.88 cm)
C,D: 3 3/4 x 11 3/4 x 6 1/2 inches (9.53 x 29.85 x 16.51 cm)
E,F: 3 3/4 x 1/8 x 6 3/4 inches (9.53 x 0.33 x 17.15 cm)
G,H: 3 3/4 x 10 1/4 x 7 1/4 inches (9.53 x 26.04 x 18.42 cm)
I,J: 3 3/4 x 10 x 7 1/4 inches (9.53 x 25.4 x 18.42 cm)
Credit LineGift of the family in memory of Gayle Zander in honor of the 75th anniversary of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Object number2008.56.2.A-J
Markingsbottom of each dish and underside of lids, marked in red enamel: "Chamberlain/Worcester"
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionA,B=Central footed bowl with lidC,D=front dish with lid
E,F=front dish with lid
G,H=side dish with lid
I,J=side dish with lid
This supper set, sometimes called a sandwich set, comprises five pieces: a central lidded dish or stand with a tapered stem and foot and four quadrilateral covered dishes that can encircle the base of the footed stand. All are of white porcelain, painted with fish-scale pattern in blue enamel with red-enameled and gilded Asian motifs such as lions, foo dogs, phoenixes, prawns and insects scattered over the surface. The interior of the central footed stand is painted with a vibrant flying phoenix in red enamel and gilding. The backs of all four side dishes are painted with red enamel and gilding dragonflies.Gallery Label
This five-piece supper set, comprised of a central footed and four quadrilateral dishes, is a rare survivor of English informal dining wares of the early 19th century. The set would have been used for supper, a casual meal at the end of the day that could be made up of leftovers. Diners were not waited on by servants but rather passed dishes amongst themselves. Contrary to its informal use, this supper set demonstrates the most refined English ceramic techniques and styles with detailed enameled and gilded decoration of Asian-inspired motifs, such as lions, foo dogs, phoenixes and dragonflies.
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