Not currently on display at the V&A

Sweetmeat Basket

1800-1801 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The cake basket otherwise known as a bread basket or fruit basket was a particularly popular item of tableware throughout the 18th century. These baskets were usually circular, oval or boat shaped with an everted rim and a high arched, bail handle which was sometimes fixed but more often swivelling. The sides were decorated by piercing or die stamping or a combination of both techniques. The basket usually rests on a supporting rim which is similarly decorated.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silver, raised and engraved.
Brief description
Sweetmeat basket, silver, London hallmarks for 1800-01, mark of Alexander Field.
Physical description
Sweetmeat basket, silver, pointed oval body with reeded rim and swing handle, engraved inside with a band of ribbon and leaf ornament, resting on a spreading foot.
Dimensions
  • Height: 7.75cm
  • Width: 17.75cm
  • Depth: 12.6cm
  • Weight: 167.3g
  • Weight: 5.38troy
Style
Production typesmall batch
Marks and inscriptions
  • London hallmarks for 1800-01
  • Mark of Alexander Field
Credit line
Arthur Hurst Bequest
Object history
Acquisition RF: 40 / 434
Bequest - Arthur Hurst
Subjects depicted
Summary
The cake basket otherwise known as a bread basket or fruit basket was a particularly popular item of tableware throughout the 18th century. These baskets were usually circular, oval or boat shaped with an everted rim and a high arched, bail handle which was sometimes fixed but more often swivelling. The sides were decorated by piercing or die stamping or a combination of both techniques. The basket usually rests on a supporting rim which is similarly decorated.
Collection
Accession number
M.117-1940

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Record createdMarch 3, 2004
Record URL
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