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Menu Collections
CultureEnglish
Titles
  • Africa
  • The Four Corners of the Globe
Datec. 1770–1780
Possible placeChelsea-Derby, England
Possible placeChelsea, 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

Explore Further

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.

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

Europe
Unknown English
c. 1770–1780
Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.87.1.3
America
Unknown English
c. 1770–1780
Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.87.1.1
Asia
Unknown English
c. 1770–1780
Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.87.1.2
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
Figure of John Milton
Chelsea Porcelain Works
c. 1752–1756
Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.67.13
Card Tray
Chamberlain and Company
c. 1840–1850
Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.2017.9
Pitcher
Charles Cartlidge & Co.
c. 1853
Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.2002.36
Temperance Association Pitcher
Unknown English
c. 1840–1850
Hard-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.2012.5
Mug
Unknown English
c. 1840–1850
Soft-paste porcelain with transfer print and gilding
B.54.17
Hot-Water Dish
Unknown Chinese
c. 1810–1820
Hard-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding
B.2007.1
Pair of Vases
Unknown French
c. 1852–1860
Porcelain (biscuit) and hard-paste porcelain with polychrome enamels and gilding
B.2000.6.1,.2
Unknown English