Bakewell, Page & Bakewell
Finger Bowl

CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Finger Bowl
Datec. 1812–1827
Possible placePittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Possible placeBoston, Massachusetts, United States
MediumLead glass
Dimensions3 3/8 × 4 7/8 in. diameter (8.6 × 12.4 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by Jas A. Gundry
Object numberB.2005.19
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Washington Hall
Exposé

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Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
Description

This little bowl is distinguished by its skillfully engraved American eagle and accompanying cipher, which clearly indicates that it along with others from the set were a special commission for an as yet unidentified family.

The term “finger bowl” dates to the 1810s; however, the form had been long in use by that time. Citations, beginning in 1750, refer to them as “wash-hand” glasses or basins and later “finger cups.” In spite of their earlier existence, almost a century passed before they were in widespread use. Fanny Kemble, the popular British actress, bemoaned the absence of a finger bowl at a dinner she attended in New York City in the 1830s. “The dinner was plenteous and tolerably well-dressed, but ill-served:  there were not thalf servants enough, and we had neither water-glasses nor finger-glasses. Now, though, I don’t eat with my fingers…yet do I hold a finger-glass at the conclusion of my dinner a requisite to comfort.”


ProvenanceMattina R. Proctor (1906–2005), Maine; [W. M. Schwind, Jr. Antiques and Fine Art, Yarmouth, Maine]; purchased by MFAH, 2005.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Engraved on front panel: " J / RCA" (in a shield with bellflower drape)

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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