Sugar box

Paul de Lamerie  (English, 1688–1751, active 1712–51)

Date:
1744/45
Culture:
British, London
Medium:
Silver
Dimensions:
H. 5 5/8 x W. 3 7/16 x D. 4 5/16 in. (14.3 x 8.7 x 11.0 cm)
Classification:
Metalwork
Credit Line:
Bequest of Rev. Alfred Duane Pell, 1925
Accession Number:
25.15.55
  • Description

    Decorated with whimsical scenes showing the harvesting of sugar cane, this box was probably part of a set that included containers for green and bohea (black) tea. Tea was an expensive commodity during the eighteenth century, and such canisters were often stored in a locked, fitted case made of mahogany or shagreen (shark skin). The scenes of exotically dressed sugar harvesters are surrounded by abstract organic ornament that suggests a grotesque face—a juxtaposition that is characteristic of Paul de Lamerie’s workshop.

  • Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

    Inscription: 1) "48=6 sett" scratched with very fine point on underside (probably 18th century) 2) "3104, £4x/d/h, 3) ", scratched with a fine point on underside (dealer's price in a code; probably 19th or 20th century; possibly means £40, 4 shillings, eight pence, for three).

    Marking: [1] Lion passant; [2] Leopard's head crowned; [3] i, in shield, London date letter for 1744-45; [4] P L (script) crown above, pellet between and below

120010041

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