Tazza

Although this sophisticated tazza bears the mark Harding used until 1851, it seems unlikely he was the maker, given his specialization in flatware. The graceful design and fine craftsmanship of the fluted bowl; dainty ribbon encircling the stem; lively flat-chased acanthus leaves of the base; finely cast claw feet; and deftly rendered grapevine indicate a hollowware maker of high ability. During this period, Obadiah Rich, the celebrated Boston silversmith, worked a few doors away from Harding’s shop on Court Avenue. Like others, Rich may have wholesaled unmarked work, possibly this compote, for Harding to retail.

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.