Bishop’s bowl of faience
Store Kongensgade, c. 1740
H: 31,5 cm
Inventory number NF 45
The faience factory in Store Kongensgade, Copenhagen, made tableware as well as various other types of utility items such as vases, inkwells and similar writing paraphernalia, sconces, wall tiles and more. Among the factory’s most refined and exclusive products were the so-called bishop’s bowls, a prominent innovation at the time which would strengthen the factory’s status at a Nordic and international level alike. The distinctive shape and decoration of the bishop’s bowls mean that to this day, they are still highlighted as the very best items produced at the Store Kongensgade factory.1
The shape of the bishop’s bowls is directly based on that of a mitre: the headdress worn by the Pope, bishops and some abbots during important masses and ecclesiastical services. Such bowls were created to hold punch, a fact directly referenced in their name: one of the drinks popular at the time of their invention was known as ‘a bishop’. This was a relatively light punch made of red wine, sugar and bitter oranges and could reportedly be served cold or hot.2
Several bishop’s bowls have survived to the present day. Some variety can be observed in their proportions: the two symmetrically arranged, upright halves are quite low in some specimens, while others are taller and more tapered, reaching upwards. The decorative painted designs always vary from one piece to the next, meaning that most bishop’s bowls can be classified as unique.
The bishop’s bowl in The David Collection was created during Johan Ernst Pfau’s time as head of the factory. Typical of his designs are bands featuring a so-called jewel border: this band is defined by double lines at the top and bottom, in between which are stylised gemstones and beads or pearls. The bowl is further decorated with two large decorative cartouches enclosing a landscape with figures. The outwardly sloping base features an acanthus design, while the inside of the bishop’s bowl is decorated with vine leaves, bunches of grapes and a fruit basket. Finally, the bowl is equipped with two handles of a serrated foliate design.3
The shape of the bishop’s bowls is directly based on that of a mitre: the headdress worn by the Pope, bishops and some abbots during important masses and ecclesiastical services. Such bowls were created to hold punch, a fact directly referenced in their name: one of the drinks popular at the time of their invention was known as ‘a bishop’. This was a relatively light punch made of red wine, sugar and bitter oranges and could reportedly be served cold or hot.2
Several bishop’s bowls have survived to the present day. Some variety can be observed in their proportions: the two symmetrically arranged, upright halves are quite low in some specimens, while others are taller and more tapered, reaching upwards. The decorative painted designs always vary from one piece to the next, meaning that most bishop’s bowls can be classified as unique.
The bishop’s bowl in The David Collection was created during Johan Ernst Pfau’s time as head of the factory. Typical of his designs are bands featuring a so-called jewel border: this band is defined by double lines at the top and bottom, in between which are stylised gemstones and beads or pearls. The bowl is further decorated with two large decorative cartouches enclosing a landscape with figures. The outwardly sloping base features an acanthus design, while the inside of the bishop’s bowl is decorated with vine leaves, bunches of grapes and a fruit basket. Finally, the bowl is equipped with two handles of a serrated foliate design.3
Published in
Published in
C.L. David: ”Fajancefabriken i Store Kongensgade” in C.L. Davids Samling, Tredje del, København 1958, pp. 16-18, 35;
C.L. David: C.L. Davids Samling, København 1960, pp. 47-49 (mentioned);
Dansk kunst og kunsthåndværk, Davids Samling, København 1972, p. 36, pl. 24;
Ole Hæstrup: Europæisk keramik: Håndbog for antikvitetssamlere, København 1981, p. 61;
Verner Jul Andersen: Dansk kunst og kunsthåndværk, Davids Samling, København 1983, cat. 111, pp. 45-46. (Title: Biskopbolle);
Lars Dybdahl (ed.): Dansk designhistorie, 1, København 2023, pp. 52-53;
C.L. David: C.L. Davids Samling, København 1960, pp. 47-49 (mentioned);
Dansk kunst og kunsthåndværk, Davids Samling, København 1972, p. 36, pl. 24;
Ole Hæstrup: Europæisk keramik: Håndbog for antikvitetssamlere, København 1981, p. 61;
Verner Jul Andersen: Dansk kunst og kunsthåndværk, Davids Samling, København 1983, cat. 111, pp. 45-46. (Title: Biskopbolle);
Lars Dybdahl (ed.): Dansk designhistorie, 1, København 2023, pp. 52-53;
Footnotes
Footnotes
1.
C.L. David: ’Fajancefabriken i Store Kongensgade’ i C.L. Davids Samling, Tredje del, Copenhagen 1958, p. 18.
2.
Kai Uldall: Gammel Dansk Fayence. Fra fabriker i kongeriget og hertugdømmerne, Copenhagen 1961, p. 20.
3.
Lars Dybdahl (ed.): Dansk designhistorie (1), Copenhagen 2023, pp. 52–53.
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