Bowl

Dateca. 1756

Maker English, Worcester

Label TextThe concept that everything in existence is composed of four elements-earth (solid), air (gas), fire (changeability), and water (liquid)-was taught by the Greek philosopher Empedocles (ca. 490-ca. 430 B.C.). Hypotheses in European alchemy evolved from this ancient philosophy. In another interesting connection between alchemy and the search for a European porcelain formula, each of the four elements played a role in the production of porcelain. Until 1784, when water was discredited as a true element, the theory prevailed that all matter in the universe was composed of these four elements. Two of the chinoiserie scenes printed on this bowl, Earth and Fire, are from engravings after François Boucher. Gabriel Huquier engraved the print symbolizing Water. This bowl is the only known Worcester porcelain recorded with this scene.

Object number94.103.180

Provenance[Albert Amor Ltd, London, UK]; collection of Mr and Mrs Kenneth and Priscilla Klepser, unknown purchase date until 1994; gift from Mr and Mrs Kenneth and Priscilla Klepser to Seattle Art Museum, Washington, 1994

Photo CreditPhoto: Paul Macapia

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Porcelain Stories: From China to Europe", February 17, 2000-May 7, 2000 (2/17/2000 - 5/7/2000) Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Worcester Porcelain: The Klepser Collection, August 8, 1985-September 22, 1985. 1984-85 circuit included: Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis Institute of Art; San Francisco, CA, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco; Atlanta, GA, High Museum of Art; Sarasota, FL, Ringling Museum of Art.Published ReferencesEmerson, Julie, Jennifer Chen, & Mimi Gardner Gates, "Porcelain Stories, From China to Europe", Seattle Art Museum, 2000, pg. 234 Spero, Simon. Worcester Porcelain: The Klepser Collection. London: The Minneapolis Institute of Arts in association with Lund Humphries Publishers, 1984, p. 148, p. 155, no. 180, illus. (b&w p. 155, all three scenes)

Credit LineKenneth and Priscilla Klepser Porcelain Collection

Dimensions5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm), diameter

MediumSoft paste porcelain