By Laura Libert, Curator, The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania

The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania is fortunate to have in its possession a fine collection of Masonic Chinese export porcelain. This collection, consisting of punch bowls, toddy jugs, and mugs, provides a glimpse of the relationship between Philadelphians and the China trade of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Many of the items produced for trade with the West were created specifically with the Western market in mind; many porcelains depicted biblical scenes, landscapes, and copies of popular Western engravings. A wealthy patron could have his porcelain designed to suit his individual taste. Such designs often featured personal coats of arms and the surname of the respective patron, as well as the symbols of a particular group with whom the patron was affiliated. A wonderful example of this type of export porcelain is the Union Lodge punch bowl1.

The Union Lodge punch bowl, measuring 91/2" in height with a diameter of 211/2", was presented to Union Lodge No. 121 (Philadelphia) in 1812 as a gift of gratitude from Brothers Caleb Ash and Henry Toland, Jr. Apparently Brothers Ash and Toland had been instrumental in the creation of Union Lodge No. 121, but were called abroad (the location is not known) before they could sign the petition to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in November of 1810, when Union Lodge No. 121 was established. Upon their return to Pennsylvania in 1812, Brothers Ash and Toland petitioned Union Lodge No. 121 to admit them as foundation members. Their request was granted, and to show their appreciation, the two men presented the Lodge with a "large handsome China bowl"2 (excerpt from Lodge minutes dated April 16, 1812).

The punch bowl is intricately decorated with Masonic symbols in shades of pink, green, blue, purple, sepia, orange, and black enamel and gilding. The interior of the bowl has an all-seeing eye at the center3. Around the rim of the interior is a band of shells, seaweed, and coral, from which hang beaded festoons terminating in coral clusters. On the exterior of the bowl are two opposed six-sided stars inscribed Union Lodge No. 121. Between the two stars on opposite sides are Masonic symbols surmounted by an all-seeing eye. Most of the symbols are easily identified, such as the Square and Compasses, Level, coffin, and the three candles representing the three lesser lights. It is interesting to note how the Chinese artist interpreted certain Masonic symbols; the mosaic tiles, traditionally rendered in colors of black and white, are aesthetically pleasing in sepia tones. The sprig of acacia resembles trees often found in Chinese landscape paintings, and the children at Charity's lap only illustrate how strange Western features must have appeared to the Chinese4.

If you are interested in learning more about Chinese export porcelain, stop by The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania and page through A Winterthur Guide to Chinese Export Porcelain, by Arlene M. Palmer, and Philadelphians and the China Trade 1784-1844, by Jean Gordon Lee.