Images(15)

casket

Object NameCasket with Glass Panels

MakerPossibly James Cox (British, about 1723-1800)

Made FromNon-lead Glass, Metal Alloy

Dateabout 1760-1770

TechniqueFused, molded, gilded

SizeOverall H: 19.6 cm, W: 17.8 cm, L: 26.7 cm

Accession Number84.2.54

Credit LineGift of Lucy Smith Battson, by exchange

Curatorial Area(s)

Early Modern

Exhibitions

In Sparkling Company: Glass and the Costs of Social Life in Britain during the 1700s

Interpretive Notes

Web Text

This casket was likely intended to hold implements for tea drinking, such as tea from China and sugar from the Caribbean, or an elaborate set of perfume and make-up. While such objects were originally created for British consumers, their quality and intricacy also made them ideal diplomatic gifts to Chinese emperors, as several examples survive in imperial collections.

Place Made

possibly England, London; possibly England, Birmingham

Physical DescriptionCasket with Glass Panels. Transparent dark blue and opaque white non-lead glass, metal alloy; fused, molded, gilded. (a) Large, rectangular form, with slightly chamfered hinged lid; elaborate gilt metal framework, in lengths of scrolls, flowers, and foliage overlapping sheets of dark blue glass with incorporated white "macaroni" twists; scrolled bail handle on top, on turned posts; lock plate on the front, in a panel incorporating a human figure holding a spear; an angel immediately above, on the rim of the cover; birds, urns, etc. incorporated in the designs elsewhere; the base a sheet of gilt metal with repousse scrolled panel with rocaille, flowers, and foliage; on four stylized paw feet, of rounded form on short, triangular legs, with engraved claws and hair. (b) Gilt brass; circular decorative loop, with pierced curvilinear decoration; turned tubular shaft with molded shank; C-shaped tooth.
Provenance

Provenance Remark

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