Basin

Abraham Portal

1755/56 · Silver gilt · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Although silver made by the Jewel Office for diplomatic officers was generally classical in inspiration, this ewer (68.141.316) and basin (68.141.317) represent a rare foray into the rococo style. They were part of a large service for three dozen guests made for Sir Charles Hanbury Williams’s embassy to Russia in 1755.

Artist

Abraham Portal

Date

1755/56

Medium

Silver gilt

Culture

British, London

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1968