A RARE FAMILLE ROSE ARMORIAL PUNCH-BOWL

CIRCA 1800-1810

Details

A RARE FAMILLE ROSE ARMORIAL PUNCH-BOWL
circa 1800-1810
Enamelled on two sides of the exterior and in the centre of the interior with a large circular medallion inscribed in gilt on a blue ground THE BEGGARS BENNISON, divided on the exterior with two tied floral bouquets, the interior rim with a wide band of fruit and flower sprays
13 in. (33 cm.) diam.

Lot Essay

The Beggar's Bennison, literally translated as the beggar's blessing, refers to a toast to success in sexual and financial endeavours. It was used in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century, and is first recorded in Grose's 1785 edition of 'Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue', see Eric Partridge, A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English, 1982, p.44. The inclusion of an anchor on this bowl would suggest that it may have been made as a parting gift for a ship's captain or supercargo.

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