Punch Bowl

c. 1770

Punch Bowl, c. 1770. Worcester Porcelain Factory (British, established 1751). Soft-paste porcelain; face: 11.5 x 27.7 cm (4 1/2 x 10 7/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Given in memory of John MacGregor, Jr. and Mary Folger MacGregor, by Mrs. John F. McGuire 1938.331 Encircling the exterior of this bowl are four segments containing fanciful birds with wide eyes, long necks, and colorful feathers. Both the birds and their frames were inspired by Chinese motifs that had been adapted and popularized by the French. During the 1700s, punch drinking was well suited for large social gatherings and served as a popular alternative to tea drinking. In fact, the exotic birds and scrolling cartouches featured on this porcelain punch bowl also adorned many of Worcester’s tea services. The subtle scale-like pattern on this dish was closely associated with porcelain designs from Worcester during the 1700s.