Porringer

Artist Samuel Vernon (American, 1683-1737)

Dateabout 1705

DimensionsH: 2 in. (5.1 cm); Diam (bowl at lip): 5 1/8 in. (13.0 cm)

MediumSilver

ClassificationMetalwork

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Barber

Object number

1984.22

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 29

Label TextA peculiarly American form, the one-handled shallow cup known as a porringer was used to hold many types of soft food, including porridge, from which the name derives. The pierced scrollwork handle of this cup by Newport, Rhode Island silversmith Samuel Vernon is engraved with the initials O over I[J] E, for John and Elizabeth Odlin. Reverend John Odlin was pastor of the Church of Exeter, New Hampshire, from 1706 to 1754. Inscribed on the bottom of the bowl is Sarah Odlin; likely the name of the Odlins’ daughter, the birth of whom probably provided the occasion for the commissioning of this fine silver vessel.