Thomas Pitt I Manufacturer, London, England
George III Epergne, 1770-71
Silver, 16 x 26 x 21 inches
Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

This high-rococo-style epergne was developed for use in the center of the table so that guests could help themselves to sweetmeats, fruits, and other desserts placed in its baskets and dishes. It is not known when the epergne form was first developed, but most of them date from the middle of the eighteenth century on.

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