Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Silver, Room 65, The Whiteley Galleries

Sugar Bowl

1795-1796 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

In the 18th century, dishes and condiments for the table became more varied and new forms of silver vessel evolved. Sauceboats, tureens and dishes for salad and sweetmeats, were all brought to the table at the start of each course. Cruet sets for oil and vinegar, and casters for mustard, sugar and pepper stayed on the table throughout the meal and were offered by waiters to the diners. Almost all these objects are engraved with the crest or coat of arms of the owner, prominently displayed.

The sugar bowl, in a specialised form, begins to appear in about 1690. By the latter part of the 18th century, the standard form for the sugar bowl or basket had become vase shaped.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silver, engraved
Brief description
Silver, London hallmarks for 1795-6, mark of D. and R. Hennell
Physical description
Sugar basin, silver, the inside formerly gilt. Octagonal with reeded edge on a low foot. Engraved with an heraldic crest, a demi-savage blowing a horn.
Dimensions
  • Height: 6cm
  • Width: 7.8cm
  • Weight: 75g
  • Weight: 2.4troy
Marks and inscriptions
  • Mark of R & D Hennell
  • Engraved crest, a demi-savage blowing a horn. (unidentified)
  • London hallmarks for 1795-6
Gallery label
SUGAR BOWL, gilt interior London 1795-6 Mark of R. and D. Hennell Engraved with unidentified crest Murray Bequest M.1075-1910
Credit line
Bequeathed by Capt. H. B. Murray
Object history
Bequest - Murray
Acquisition RF: Murray
Summary
In the 18th century, dishes and condiments for the table became more varied and new forms of silver vessel evolved. Sauceboats, tureens and dishes for salad and sweetmeats, were all brought to the table at the start of each course. Cruet sets for oil and vinegar, and casters for mustard, sugar and pepper stayed on the table throughout the meal and were offered by waiters to the diners. Almost all these objects are engraved with the crest or coat of arms of the owner, prominently displayed.

The sugar bowl, in a specialised form, begins to appear in about 1690. By the latter part of the 18th century, the standard form for the sugar bowl or basket had become vase shaped.
Collection
Accession number
M.1075-1910

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Record createdSeptember 10, 2004
Record URL
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