Rosewater charger
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Object number21754.356
TitleRosewater charger
Creator Robert Weir
DescriptionThis large, exquisite pewter dish is a rosewater charger. It was made between 1596-1614 by Robert Weir of Edinburgh, who was pewterer to the Royal Household. Weir took over his father’s business in 1596 and was made a freeman of the Edinburgh Incorporation of Hammermen that same year.
A rare yet deceptively simple-looking object, the charger descends from the rim to encircle a deep well in the centre. This is decorated with an intricate boss depicting the Royal Coat of Arms of King James VI of Scotland.
We know that Weir made pewterware for the Royal Household in 1598. This was for a banquet hosted by the king in Riddle’s Court in the capital. It was held in honour of Queen Anne’s brother, the Duke of Holstein.
This is one of the oldest known pieces of Scottish pewter sadware in our collection. The term sadware comes from an Old English word that means solid (as opposed to hollow, like a jug or tankard).
Pewterers were part of the Hammermen, one of the Incorporated Trades of Edinburgh. Their motto is ‘By hammer in hand all arts do stand’ – the members ranged from armourers and pewterers to the blacksmiths and farriers who made tools and equipment essential to everyday life.
Production placeEdinburgh
Production date 1596 - 1614
Object nameCharger
MaterialPewter
Dimensions
Diameter: 444 mm