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Vessels for Punch
One of our most recent acquisitions is the splendid Baron Guernsey Monteith bowl, it has made me focus on our current magnificent collection of vessels made for punch. Our collection dates from 1695 to 1744 and highlights the importance and popularity of this ‘new world’ concoction.
Punch remained the tipple of choice for English aristocrats for hundreds of years. The spirits consisted of tea, sugar, citrus and nutmeg and were all expensive ingredients. Lemons were scarce and costly, and became status symbols in Northern Europe, one of the reasons they are found in so many Dutch still life paintings. In the late 17th century London, a three-quart bowl of punch cost the equivalent of half a week's living wage. Commissioning one of these silver vessels was the perfect way to show your education, prosperity and status. My Director's Choice this week focuses on three exceptional punch bowls, each exemplifying the skill, craftsmanship and lengths their owners went to create these table ornaments that served both in function and beauty.
Punch remained the tipple of choice for English aristocrats for hundreds of years. The spirits consisted of tea, sugar, citrus and nutmeg and were all expensive ingredients. Lemons were scarce and costly, and became status symbols in Northern Europe, one of the reasons they are found in so many Dutch still life paintings. In the late 17th century London, a three-quart bowl of punch cost the equivalent of half a week's living wage. Commissioning one of these silver vessels was the perfect way to show your education, prosperity and status. My Director's Choice this week focuses on three exceptional punch bowls, each exemplifying the skill, craftsmanship and lengths their owners went to create these table ornaments that served both in function and beauty.
