Sauceboat with Cover and Ladle (One of Pair)
Chelsea Porcelain factory

Details
Title
Sauceboat with Cover and Ladle (One of Pair)
Artist/Maker
Chelsea Factory
Date
ca. 1755
Medium
Porcelain
Dimensions
lid: 6 x 10 3/8 x 8 inches sauceboat: 5 3/4 x 7 7/8 x 2 3/4 inches ladle: 1 1/8 x 7 7/8 x 2 3/4 inches
Credit
Frances and Emory Cocke Collection
Accession #
1984.56.1 A-C
The plaice, a slimy flatfish native to western European waters, seems an unlikely inspiration for these sophisticated porcelain sauceboats. However, its use is in keeping with Chelsea’s botanical decorations on plates and dishes and its production of tureens and other forms in shapes of rabbits, hens, fruits, and vegetables. While the shape of the sauceboats reflects a fascination with nature, the notion of shaping the spoons as eels—with heads as the bowls and wriggly tails as the handles—reveals a striking playfulness. Although they are now missing their stands, the sauceboats are distinguished among surviving examples because their spoons have been retained.
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