Africa

CultureEnglish
Titles
  • Africa
  • The Four Corners of the Globe
Datec. 1770–1780
Possible placeChelsea, England
Possible placeChelsea-Derby, England
MediumSoft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
Dimensions8 7/8 × 4 3/8 × 4 1/4 in. (22.6 × 11.2 × 10.8 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by Mrs. Fred T. Couper, Jr. in loving memory of her mother, Mrs. William Victor Bowles
Object numberB.87.1.4
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Drawing Room
Exposé

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Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
DescriptionThis figure, one of a set representing The Four Corners of the Globe, is a personification of Africa from a distinctly Eurocentric perspective. Holding a scorpion, wearing an elephant headdress, and with a lion at its feet, the figure demonstrates the European perception of Africa’s lack of civilization.
Provenance[Philip Suval, New York]; purchased by MFAH, November 3, 1986.
Exhibition HistoryMuseum purchase from a dealer exhibiting at The Theta Charity Antique Show in Houston

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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Europe
c. 1770–1780
Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.87.1.3
America
c. 1770–1780
Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.87.1.1
Asia
c. 1770–1780
Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.87.1.2
Compote
Coalport Porcelain Manufactory
c. 1840–1850
Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.2002.3
Dinner Plate
Coalport Porcelain Manufactory
c. 1840–1850
Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.89.17.3
Dinner Plate
Coalport Porcelain Manufactory
c. 1840–1850
Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.89.17.4
Dinner Plate
Coalport Porcelain Manufactory
c. 1840–1850
Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.89.17.1
Dinner Plate
Coalport Porcelain Manufactory
c. 1840–1850
Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.89.17.2
Dinner Plate
Coalport Porcelain Manufactory
c. 1840–1850
Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.89.17.5
Teapot
Philip Christian & Co.
c. 1765–1770
Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.72.42.A,.B
27-piece Dessert Service
Coalport Porcelain Manufactory
c. 1820–1840
Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.72.85.1-.27
Card Tray
Chamberlain and Company
c. 1840–1850
Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.2017.9