Theodore Russell Davis and Haviland & Co.
“A Special Oyster Plate”
Designed 1879-1880, in production 1880-1886
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- Designer: Theodore Russell Davis
- Manufacturer: Haviland & Co.
“A Special Oyster Plate”
Designed 1879-1880, in production 1880-1886
Physical Qualities
Porcelain, enamel, gilt, 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm.)
Portfolio/Series
Design from the Hayes Presidential Porcelain Service limited specialty pieces
Credit Line
Gift of Jonathan W. Kolker, Baltimore, in Memory of Irving and Rosa Kolker
Object Number
1999.135
Davis designed a small but elaborate version of the Victorian oyster plate, with trompe l’oeil (fool the eye) blue point oyster shells that could hold five fresh oysters. He furthered the illusion by including a ceramic “cluster of the raccoon oysters which are so well known in the Southern Atlantic States.”
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 1999; Jonathan W. Kolker, Baltimore, MD by descent, 1980s; Irving Mason (1895-1957) and Rosa Jacobson Kolker (1907-1998), Baltimore, MD by purchase
Former Prov - check files
Estate of Evalyn Walsh McClean
Former Prov - check files
Estate of Evalyn Walsh McClean
Benskin, Elizabeth, and Suzy Wolffe. Teacher's Guide to the American Collection. Baltimore, MD: Baltimore Museum of Art, 2014, pages 55 and 62.
Inscribed: None
Markings: UNDERNEATH, (painted), 'FABRIQUE PAR/HAVILAND & Co./d'apres les dessins/DE (red)/Theo. R. Davis (black)/H&Co (underlined, all in green)/DESIGN PATENTED AUGUST 10th 1880 (blue)'
On View: American Wing Second Floor, Scott 01
