Finger Bowl
Maker
Unknown
Datec. 1857
MediumRuby-flashed and etched glass
Dimensions3 1/2 × 5 3/16 inches (8.9 × 13.2 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Margaret Gray Thomas.
Object numberOT1951.79.2
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 was bequeathed by Margaret Gray Thomas (1871–1951), the benefactress of Telfair Museums’ Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters. Four sets of this Bohemian glassware descended through the Owens family from an 1857 purchase by Thomas’ uncle John Wallace Owens (1821–1862), in Austria, present-day Austria, with money from the estate of his recently deceased father George Welshman Owens (1786–1856). John kept two of the sets for his family, and presented the other two sets, one of which is this ruby glassware, to his siblings.