ECS-S.4:1-2014
Parts
Object number
ECS-S.4:1-2014
Object type
Identification
Title
Helmet-Shaped Ewer
Description
Helmet-shaped ewer on high circular foot
Comments
This Renaissance-style rosewater ewer and matching basin were undoubtedly made to stand on a buffet in a dining room. Until forks became common after the 17th century, diners used ewers and basins to wash their hands.
The ewer has a high serpentine handle and circular foot. On the body are flat circular and oval strapwork panels enclosing embossed sea monsters and flowers. The handle is decorated with scalework (ornamentation resembling the scales) and a snake. This ornamentation is created by chasing; a method of indenting the surface without removing silver.
Catalogued with Oval Basin 4.2
Jones described the Ewer as 'Rosewater Ewer'
The ewer has a high serpentine handle and circular foot. On the body are flat circular and oval strapwork panels enclosing embossed sea monsters and flowers. The handle is decorated with scalework (ornamentation resembling the scales) and a snake. This ornamentation is created by chasing; a method of indenting the surface without removing silver.
Catalogued with Oval Basin 4.2
Jones described the Ewer as 'Rosewater Ewer'
Other number
4A
Description
Dimensions
height (actual size): 282mm
Inscription description
Lion Passant
Leopards Head Crowned
Maker: RD above a crescent in a shield: Richard Duncombe
Date mark: 1624
Leopards Head Crowned
Maker: RD above a crescent in a shield: Richard Duncombe
Date mark: 1624
Material
silver
Physical description
Plain Helmet shaped Ewer on high circular foot, encircled in the middle by a narrow moulding. On the top of the scrolled handle is a ball.
Production
Person
Duncombe, Richard (Silversmith)
Date
1624
History and association
References
• Jones, E. Alfred, The Plate of Eton College, The London Saint Catherine Press, 1938 (p. 5 pl. III)
• Hussey, C. Eton College, 2nd Ed., 1926 (p. 127 pl.3)
• Mitchell, David M., Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London (p. 447)
• Hussey, C. Eton College, 2nd Ed., 1926 (p. 127 pl.3)
• Mitchell, David M., Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London (p. 447)
