Footed bowl

This footed bowl still displays the deep relief characteristic of the Rococo-revival style, as seen in the encircling naturalistic band of flowers. However, the graphic outlines and flat interior markings of the butterfly’s wings seem to relate it to the newer, flatter forms and more stylized design popular during the last quarter of the nineteenth century. The sinuous line of the rim and elongated body suggest a natural pool of water that has attracted the two insects and may reflect an affinity for the Japanese aesthetic in vogue at the time.

This text has been adapted from "Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000," edited by Jeannine Falino and Gerald W.R. Ward, published in 2008 by the MFA. Complete references can be found in that publication.