DAR | Museum - Featured Objects

In each issue, the bimonthly DAR magazine, American Spirit, highlights an object from the DAR Museum collection in its "National Treasures" feature. These objects, often recent accessions or important pieces in the current exhibit, always have a story to tell about American history.

National Treasures

Serve It Up

This elaborate epergne, or centerpiece, was made in England out of earthenware between 1780 and 1800. During the 18th century such an item would have been called a grand plat ménage, meaning a pile of plates. In the wealthy household of the period, dessert was often a grand affair, with an object like this one placed in the center of the table. The classical figure of Plenty at the top alluded to the variety of sweetmeats, fruits and nuts that would have been placed in each of the scallop-shell baskets.