2018.0046.003 Basket, overall
  • 2018.0046.003 Basket, overall
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Basket (Bowl)

  • Category:

    Metals

  • Creator (Role):

    Harvey Lewis (Maker)

  • Place of Origin:

    Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America

  • Date:

    1815-1825

  • Materials:

    Silver

  • Techniques:

    Wrought

  • Museum Object Number:

    2018.0046.003


  • Complete Details



Object Number

2018.0046.003

Object Name

Basket (Bowl)

Category

Metals

Credit Line/Donor

Gift of Sue K. and Stuart P. Feld

Creator (Role)

Harvey Lewis (Maker)-1835

Place of Origin

Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America

Date

1815-1825

Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label

1. Mark; Base underside, either side of center punch; "HARVEY.LEWIS" stamped in rectangle twice
2. Mark; Base underside, foot rim interior; "HARVEY.LEWIS" stamped
3. Inscription; Base, underside of dome; "434050248" engraved electronically
4. Inscription; Base, foot rim interior; "6081" scratched
5. Inscription; Handle, exterior center; "S" in shaded Gothic letter, engraved

Subjects

Dining

Materials

Silver

Techniques

Wrought

Dimensions (inches)

6 (H) , 10.25 (Diam) , 33.3 (Weight)

Dimensions (centimeters)

15.24 (H) , 26.035 (Diam) , 943 (Weight)

Measurement Notes

[Dimensions provided by donor were probably with handle extended.] Bowl height to rim is 5.0" and with handle laying down height is 6.0." Diameter of bowl is 10.0" and diameter of foot is 5.0." The diameter above is overall, with handle hinges.

Object Description

Web - 02/04/2019

This circular bowl or cake basket has a broad opening with a flat semi-circular handle hinged on the top edge and is supported by a high-domed, stepped circular foot. The rhythmic geometry of the form is echoed in knurled or applied die-rolled beaded borders of different sizes ornamenting the bowl and base. Subtle engraved and chased branches of paired, graduated leaves adorn either side of the handle, which also has at the midpoint an oval wreath of paired leaves enclosing the initial "S." Harvey Lewis's surviving work exhibits a mixture of superbly made plain taste as well as more ambitious and eclectic designs in silver. This cake basket fits the former category and likely was made for a patron desiring a new circular cake basket form, but not the sculptural cast and applied ornament Lewis also offered at the time (see: oblong cake basket 1966.0120). Lewis received steady patronage in Philadelphia and his table and tea wares are represented in many museum collections.