The interior is lightly overpainted in colors. The ship displays the flag of the United States of America. The four trophies around it represent fighting, exploration, sailing and fishing. 

Drinkers probably encouraged each other to stop the ship from 'running aground' by keeping the bowl full of punch for another drink. Punchbowls are sometimes painted with a fish in the bottom and the words "keep me swimming".

" /> Printed British Pottery & Porcelain | punchbowl
National Museums Liverpool 30.4.75.2L

Additional Image:

One side is printed with a portrait of George Washington, captioned "HIS EXCELLENCY/ GENERAL WASHINGTON/ Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America." The Liverpool engraver framed Washington in exactly the same way he framed his British enemy Admiral Rodney on another punchbowl also included in this exhibit. This style of framing was designed by Thomas Billinge about 1760, and was by now old-fashioned. The Liverpool decorators printed punchbowls for both sides in the Revolutionary War so that each could drink the health of their hero. 

Additional Source Image:

"His Excellency General Washington Commander in Chief of the united States of North America & c., publ. R.Wilkinson 1783" after Pierre Eugene du Simitiere.  

 

The other side of the bowl is printed with a portrait of "BENJ[AMI]N FRANKLIN Born at Boston in New England, 17 Jan. 1706. L.L.D. F.R.S."

Between the portraits of Washington and Franklin are two subsidiary prints, one of Nereids, the other of Neptune with Tritons.

Additional Source Image 2:

The source of the portrait of Franklin was an engraving by Auguste de St Aubin, 1777, after Charles Nicholas Cochin.

 

Shape Type: Miscellaneous

Pattern Type: Portraits

Date: c. 1783-1790

Dimensions:

  • Diameter: 8.70 in (22.10 cm)
  • Height: 3.98 in (10.10 cm)

Maker: Unknown

Description:

Creamware punchbowl, probably made in Staffordshire and printed in black in Liverpool. The interior is lightly overpainted in colors. The ship displays the flag of the United States of America. The four trophies around it represent fighting, exploration, sailing and fishing. 

Drinkers probably encouraged each other to stop the ship from 'running aground' by keeping the bowl full of punch for another drink. Punchbowls...


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