The tazza ("salver on stand") with circular tray having a wide 1/2" high rim,
raised on an 8-sided Silesian (Pedestal) stem with twist,
a tear within, and having two basal collars;
the domed foot with 1/2" fold; snapped pontil

'Tazza' in Italian means 'cup',
these having been used across Europe and England since the 16th century.
The early 'tazza' was a large, shallow wine cup on a high stem.

It soon developed into tall ornately decorated cupped dishes intended for decoration,
as well as for food (rather than beverage).
This elevated shape allowed additional space on the crowded tables,
as well as adding elegance, grace and visual interest
The foods served were generally small, as hors d'oeuvres and desserts.
As these tazzas were expensive, they would have been
used in the homes of only the wealthy and aristocratic.

Tazzas were made from various materials : silver, ceramics, shells - and glass.
 
Whilst the 16th and17th century Continental tazzas were highly ornamental,
English tazzas of the late 17th / early 18th century assumed a simpler flatter form -
known also as the silver "salver on stand", and the glass "footed salver".
Some glass tazzas were also stacked - for decoration, as as well as the dessert table.

During the 19th century, the tazza took on a deeper rounded form,
and appears in many ceramic and silver services.
We generally refer to this related form as a "compote", or "comport".
At the introduction of the Victorian "afternoon tea",
the tazza form became the well known the "cake stand".

Condition : Excellent; good wear beneath the footrim; no chips;

a few very minute expected surface scratches

12" Diameter / 6.75" High / 6.75" The Wide / the Foot / 41.9 oz.

PRICE : Please Inquire

#7999a

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George III Large Glass Tazza, England, Mid-18th Century, 12 Inches Wide 

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