Freemasonry arose from somewhat obscure origins in previous centuries to become an 18th century establishment social institution. In England in 1717 several small lodges joined together to form the Grand Lodge; in 1751 a rival group founded the Antient Lodge, these two known as the "Moderns" and the "Ancients". France had the Grand Orient de France, founded 1733, while in America lodges remained independent. George Washington belonged to the Virginia lodge. All lodges adhered to some sort of ritual based on the architectural symbolism of medieval stonemasons, the tools and other elements emblematic of Masonic ideals like brotherly love, truth, liberty and equality. With their increasing social status in the 18th century came grand halls and, as Howard & Ayers put it, "the trappings of conviviality" - mugs, coffee services, loving cups and, especially, punchbowls.

A RARE MASSIVE MASONIC PUNCHBOWL

CIRCA 1790

Details

A RARE MASSIVE MASONIC PUNCHBOWL
CIRCA 1790
With Masonic symbols in sketchy landscape including the "perfect ashlar", the pink and green border with sepia serpent and paddle motifs
20¾ inches (52.7 cm) diameter

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Lot Essay

Howard & Ayers (op cit, p 328) list important Masonic pieces at Freemason's Hall, London, including a massive, 8-gallon punchbowl signed on the base by Syng Chong and with a dedicatory inscription inside the rim to "THE WORSHIPFULL ...BRETHERERN OF THE LODGE OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP BENGAL NO.". The present lot must be one of only a very few punchbowls to rival that one in size and grandeur.

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