1810 Early Spode Regency Dollar Pattern Punch Bowl

Description

A large Spode Regency porcelain punch bowl in the Dollar pattern, made in England circa 1810.

This punch bowl, designed … more A large Spode Regency porcelain punch bowl in the Dollar pattern, made in England circa 1810.

This punch bowl, designed by English potters after Asian motifs and named for an American currency, presents a fascinating instance of globalization in the ceramic medium.

The Spode Dollar pattern, named after its obvious visual similarity to the dollar sign, was loosely based on Asian patterns. Chinese and Japanese porcelains exported to the West featured meaningful iconography, the cultural significance of which was lost on European craftsmen and consumers. Instead, Western artists focused on aesthetic functionality of these symbols and reinterpreted them for decorative purposes.

Spode’s “dollar signs” are artistic interpretations of a Chinese character that represented longevity. The dark cobalt panels of this punch bowl are a Western reimagination of the “taotie”, originally a monster mask thought to ward off evil.

Dimensions: 11 in. Dm x 4 3/4 in. H
Condition: Very good condition. Some very minor wear to the gilding, most noticeably around the rim and to a small area on the inner golden rim on the bowl. Light scratching to the center of the bowl. less