John Bayly
Coffeepot

MakerAmerican, active c. 1754–1806
CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Coffeepot
Datec. 1750–1806
Made inPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
MediumSilver
Dimensions13 × 4 3/4 × 3 3/8 in. (33 × 12.1 × 8.6 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Miss Ima Hogg
Object numberB.71.75
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Metals Study Room
Exposé

Explore Further

Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
Description

Philadelphians were probably introduced to Rococo design through imported English silver. In response to the new style, the coffeepot, like other vessels, evolved from the single-bellied to the double-bellied shape. The addition of cast elements—finials, handle sockets, and spouts, along with gadrooned rims, engraved ornament, and a scrolled wooden handle—completed the form’s transformation.

Technical notes: The finial is soldered.  

Related examples: One other Bayly coffeepot is recorded, at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, Massachusetts (acc. no. 1962.3).

Book excerpt: David B. Warren, Michael K. Brown, Elizabeth Ann Coleman, and Emily Ballew Neff.  American Decorative Arts and Paintings in the Bayou Bend Collection. Houston: Princeton Univ. Press, 1998.


ProvenanceAlexander Belt Wickersham; given to Frances Belt (Mrs. Robert Hadfield, Bt., F.R.S.); [Thomas Lumley, London, by 1941]; [Firestone and Parson, Boston]; purchased by Miss Ima Hogg, 1970; given to MFAH, 1971.
Exhibition History"Theta Charity Antiques Show", Albert Thomas Convention Center, Houston, September 25–29, 1985 (LN:85.31)
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Engraved on side: ABW [Alexander Belt Wickersham] [added later]
Underneath body: mark of John Bayly [Warren 1975, p. 164, no. 312]

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.

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