The Bowles Collection of 18th C. Porcelain

On my recent trip to San Francisco I was fortunate to be able to view The Bowles Collection of 18th c. English and French Porcelain at the Legion of Honor. The collection contains magnificent pieces of British and French porcelain from such manufacturers as Chelsea, Bow, and Sevres. The workmanship and skill that went into creating these pieces was truly remarkable; in many ways, it's like a lost art.

In addition to the Bowles Collection, the museum owns porcelain from other manufacturers and periods, including pieces of Chinese Export porcelain and works created at the Meissen and Nymphenburg factories. If you are a porcelain connoisseur, this exhibit is truly a must-see; if you can't make it to San Francisco, you can conveniently view the collection online.


Partridge Tureen, manufacturer Chelsea Factory, England, circa 1754-1755

Lettuce Tureen, Cover, and Stand, manufacturer Longton Hall Factory, England, circa 1756

Apple Box and Cover, manufacturer Bow Factory, England, circa 1756

Bourdaloue (Chamber Pot), manufacturer Chantilly Factory, France, circa 1735-1745

Covered Dish and Fixed Tray in Form of Mouse, Jingdzhen (Ching-te Chen) maker, China, circa 1780

Image at top: Melon Tureen and Cover, manufacturer Chelsea Factory, England, circa 1755-1756