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Theodore Russell Davis and Haviland & Co.

“Bob White” Game Plate

1878-1885

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“Bob White” Game Plate

1878-1885

Physical Qualities Porcelain, enamel, gilt, 9 × 9 1/8 × 1 in. (22.9 × 23.2 × 2.5 cm.)
Credit Line Gift of Frederica Kolker Saxon, Baltimore, in Memory of Irving and Rosa Kolker
Object Number 2022.180
"Bob White" game plate is a design from the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Porcelain Service. Porcelain with enamels and gilt decoration. The colors were applied using chromolithographic and decalcomania processes. Afterwards, decorators painted the plate with enamel colors to add shading and to enhance the design. Finally, the edges were gilt. The plate is a classic round shape. The design features cock and hen Bob Whites, also known as quails, comfortably sheltered under crossed pine boughs on a dark winter day. They nestle in a depression that has been formed in the snow by the wind, which has also scattered the autumn leaves in the foreground.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2022; Frederica K. Saxon (1933-2025), Baltimore, MD by descent, 1980s; Irving Mason (1895-1957) and Rosa Jacobson Kolker (1907-1998), Baltimore, MD by purchase

Inscribed: Recto: artist's initial "D" in enamel

Markings: On underside: - [American eagle with spread wings and Seal of United States in polychrome enamels]; - "Theo: R. Davis." (Facsimile signature in black); - "FABRIQUÉ PAR / HAVILAND & Co./ d’aprés les dessins / DE" (stamped in orange-red); - "DESIGN PATENTED / AUGUST 10th 1880 / No: 1193 (stamped in blue); - "H & Co." (stamped factory mark in green)

Designer

Theodore Russell Davis

1839–1893

Boston, MA 1840-1894 Asbury Park, NJ
Meet Theodore Russell Davis

Manufacturer

Haviland & Co.

1841–2000

Limoges, France 1842-present
Meet Haviland & Co.

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