sugar and chocolate (left)

shelf 2 (left)

Candies, pieces of fruit crystalized with sugar, and other confectionaries, known as sweetmeats, were served on special dishes, some with multiple shell-shaped tiers. The dessert course of a formal dinner called for its own set of serving dishes, bowls, and plates, such as the leaf-shaped example crawling with an assortment of insects.

 

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An elaborate sculptural three tiered sweetmeat dish that is dark purple, green, and cream glaze with floral decorations as well as sculpted fish decorations.

English

Creamware Sweetmeat Dish, ca. 1765–1770

Earthenware with glaze

Bequest of Mr. Charles L. Pendleton 04.355X

A creamware sweetmeat dish with swirled handles and lace-like decorations cut into the octagonal vessel that is sitting on a matching tray.

English

Creamware Sweetmeat Dish with Tray, ca. 1770–1780

Earthenware with glaze

Gift of Alfred Morris, Jr. 1992.140.1A

A leaf shaped porcelain dish, green on the edge to yellow then white, the stem is pink, with five insects depicted: a lady bug, two butterflies, a caterpillar, and beetle.

Chelsea Porcelain Factory, English, ca. 1745–1784

Dessert Dish, ca. 1755

Porcelain with enamels and glaze

Gift of Mrs. Sigmund J. Katz 74.124.4