Not currently on display at the V&A

Saucer

1800 to 1880 (made)
Place of origin

Jasper, including bloodstone, is a tough and durable material but, unlike the closely related material agate, it contains various clay-like or other impurities that can make it more resistant to impact damage. This property makes jasper an ideal material for the production of attractive but functional items such as this saucer which was made in India in the mid-19th century. Unfortunately, even jasper can be damaged if the impact is severe enough - as has happened with this object.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Bloodstone, cut and polished using abrasives and abrasive-charged tools, most probably fashioned on a bow-driven lathe.
Brief description
Saucer, circular, short foot with thick rim and shallow recess, bloodstone, damaged with large chip missing from lip, India, 19th century
Physical description
A saucer of circular form with a short foot that has a shallow recess and a wide rim. There is a large chip missing from the lip and hairline cracks emanating from the damage. Fashioned in bloodstone - opaque, dark green with red flecks.
Dimensions
  • 01379( is) diameter: 105.8 to 106.2mm
  • 01379( is) height: 21.8 to 23.0mm
  • 01379( is) depth: 5.5 to 6.0mm (Note: Depth from the rim, at the centre)
  • 01379( is) diameter: 54.9 to 55.7mm (Note: Diameter of the foot)
  • 01379( is) depth: 3.1mm (Note: Depth of the foot recess)
Dimensions vary with orientation
Object history
This saucer was formerly in The India Museum in London and it was then transferred to the South Kensington Museum (later renamed The Victoria & Albert Museum) in 1879. 1880 Register Entry: [Room 8. Case .] '01,379. SAUCER. Bloodstone. ?52'
Summary
Jasper, including bloodstone, is a tough and durable material but, unlike the closely related material agate, it contains various clay-like or other impurities that can make it more resistant to impact damage. This property makes jasper an ideal material for the production of attractive but functional items such as this saucer which was made in India in the mid-19th century. Unfortunately, even jasper can be damaged if the impact is severe enough - as has happened with this object.
Other number
?52 - India Museum Slip Book
Collection
Accession number
01379(IS)

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Record createdJune 25, 2009
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