Collections: Decorative Arts: Compote

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Compote

• Maker: Ball, Black & Company, American, 1851-1876
• Medium: Silver, glass
• Place Manufactured: New York, New York, USA
• Dates: ca. 1865
• Dimensions: 10 3/4 x 8 3/4 x 8 3/4 in. (27.3 x 22.2 x 22.2 cm)
• Markings: Impressed on bottom of pedestal (a): "BALL, BLACK & CO. / NEW YORK / 163 / ENGLISH STERLING"
• Inscriptions: Engraved in center of pedestal (a), in monogram: "FS"
• Collections: Decorative Arts
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th floor
• Accession Number: 1998.24a-b
• Credit Line: Gift of Lauren C. Reddington and Stanley J. Szaro
• Image: Overall, 1998.24a-b.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Ball, Black & Company (American, 1851-1876). Compote, ca. 1865. Silver, glass, 10 3/4 x 8 3/4 x 8 3/4 in. (27.3 x 22.2 x 22.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, 1998.24a-b (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1998.24a-b.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Compote, silver foot platform (a) with glass bowl (b). Silver foot platform (a) is in the shape of an irregular hexagon with three short, straight sides alternating with three longer, concave sides; the edges are ornamented with a die-rolled band of reeding with a dot between each reed and in the center of the platform is an elaborate monogram: "FS". Three long, tapering, straight, silver legs terminate in stylized hoof feet and have a small sphere at the ankle and at the knee. These legs join and form a stem at a pendant cone with a pointed spherical drop finial. Above the cone is a slightly flattened sphere with a flat, central band. On the band, equally spaced, are three oval medallions, two of female profile heads facing left, one of helmeted profile head facing right. Between each medallion is a spherical element pierced with a triangular loop; between each loop is a length of chain comprising a series of three short links and one long link. Above the sphere are a cylinder, a molded band, and a disc-shaped socket. The socket attaches to a circular cut glass bowl (b) whose rim flares forward. Bowl has eleven panels, each terminating in a scallop and each scallop cut with two semi-circular shapes. CONDITION: Normal wear and residue of polish to silver components. Some scratches to glass and a few tiny nicks at the sharp edges of the bowl, but very good.