Finger Bowl
Maker
Unknown
Daten. d.
MediumRuby-flashed and etched glass
Dimensions3 1/2 × 4 3/4 inches (8.9 × 12.1 cm)
Credit LineAttributed to a museum purchase.
Object numberNN.96.1
On View
On viewTerms
CopyrightThe images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextFinger bowls were an essential vessel during the 19th century dining service, functioning as personal wash basins. They were placed at each table setting and filled with scented or plain water. Guests could then dip their fingers into the bowl to clean any grime or filth in between meal courses.
This finger bowl matches the ones bequeathed by Margaret Gray Thomas (1871–1951) in 1951, the benefactress of Telfair Museums’ Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters.