Ginger Jar

Public Domain

Artist Jacob Bodendieck (English, born Germany, 1634–1681, active London, 1664–1680)English, born Germany, 1634–1681, active London, 1664–1680

CultureEnglish

Titles

Ginger Jar

Date1677– 1678

PlaceLondon, England

MediumSterling silver

Dimensions16 1/2 inches high (41.9 cm)

Credit LineGift of George S. Heyer, Jr., in honor of his wife, Hallie Dewar Heyer

Object number90.488.A,.B

Not on view

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Department

Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Special Collections

George Heyer Collection of English Silver

Object Type

METALWORK

DescriptionThis expertly crafted silver vase is based on the form of a Chinese porcelain ginger jar. Because it was made for display in a grand room, silversmith Jacob Bodendieck enlarged the proportions and added European-style floral designs and masks. German-born Bodendieck, one of many foreign silversmiths working in London in the 1670s, typifies the cosmopolitan environment in which silversmiths thrived in the English capital. King Charles II invited him to England, where Bodendieck’s artistry and familiarity with the French court style of King Louis XIV were highly prized.
ProvenanceDr. George S. Heyer, Jr. (1930–2015), Austin; given to MFAH, 1990.
Exhibition History"Fit for a King: English Silver from the Collection of George S. Heyer, Jr.," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Alice Pratt Brown Gallery, January 20 - September 16, 2007.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

On rim of lid above swags: leopard's head, "I B / U" in a shield, lion, and letter date
Engraved on underside: 95 - 18
Stamped under mouth of rim: "I B / U" in a shield, leopard's head, lion, date letter

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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