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Ashcombe Museum of Art & History
Decorative Arts & Design

Punch Bowl

CeramicsVessel

Details

Author / creator
Worcester Porcelain Factory (British, established 1751)
Object type
Ceramics
Date or period
c. 1770
Dimensions summary
Face: 11.5 × 27.7 cm
Maker or workshop
Worcester Porcelain Factory
Period / style
Rococo

About this object

Encircling the exterior of this bowl are four segments containing fanciful birds with wide eyes, long necks, and colorful feathers. Both the birds and their frames were inspired by Chinese motifs that had been adapted and popularized by the French. During the 1700s, punch drinking was well suited for large social gatherings and served as a popular alternative to tea drinking. In fact, the exotic birds and scrolling cartouches featured on this porcelain punch bowl also adorned many of Worcester’s tea services.

Materials and technique

Soft-paste porcelain

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