by NRF Media | Apr 11, 2024
This set of porcelain is one of the largest and most complete in the Rough Point collection, and was originally owned by James and Nanaline Duke.Â
In the West, fancy place settings, tea cups, or other formal dining and imbibing objects are often referred to as “China”—even if these objects were not made in China (as is the case of this porcelain ware). Chinese porcelain was so ubiquitous—and so desirable—that all porcelain came to be known by this name. Until the mid-18th century, the process of making porcelain ware that was delicate and elegant—but strong enough to hold boiling hot tea and coffee—was a mystery to Westerners. Many of the patterns on the porcelain owned by the Duke family are inspired by Chinese decorative motifs and the Chinese blue-and-white style. Â
by nrf@admin | Jan 3, 2024
Made by Tiffany in 1874 and exhibited at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876, the silver swan was a latecomer to the collection of Doris Duke. She bought it at auction in 1988 and was so fond of it that the story goes she brought it with her on her annual cycle of journeys to homes in Honolulu, Beverly Hills, Newport, New York, and New Jersey.Â
by nrf@admin | Jan 3, 2024
The tankards made by Samuel Vernon’s workshop feature a heartshaped mark with a “SV” in the center. Although the mark of the silversmith may be on the piece, we don’t actually know all the craftspeople whose hands helped shape these pieces. Silversmiths and goldsmiths had highly skilled apprentices and enslaved persons working in their shops. And it’s important to acknowledge that many master Newport craftspeople had enslaved persons in their household—and the uncredited labor of these enslaved people contributed to the success of the workshops and the material goods they produced. Â
“LRP” is engraved on the handle and the scratchweight 29 ounces is marked on body and handle. Stamped with “SV” maker’s mark on body and handle.Â
by nrf@admin | Jan 3, 2024
The Music Room is part of the Duke family addition to the home and is filled with objects reflecting many different design and cultural influences. Doris Duke rearranged this room many times as the use of the room changed. The sunburst clock features a central painted dial with Roman numerals within a beaded frame and sunburst surround. Doris Duke purchased it for the Duke family residence on 5th Avenue in the early 1940s, and it came to Rough Point in the early 1960s.Â
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by nrf@admin | Jan 3, 2024
Duquesnoy created what has become the archetypal putti figure—and it is likely that this example mimics Duquesnoy’s characteristic form and is part of a study for a much larger sculptural grouping.
