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Masonic Knights Templar Punch Bowl and Holder
1906
Hugo A. Possner
USA: Connecticut, Waterbury
wood; painted
a: 10 x 26 x 28 in.; b: 3 x 20 1/2 x 20 1/2 in.
Gift of Clark Commandery No. 7, Knights Templar, Waterbury, Connecticut
92.034a-b

Masonic Knights Templar punch bowl and cross-tree holder; A: turned punch bowl with cream background; exterior: polychromed Masonic symbols, Knights Templar conclave badges and commemorative inscription "Frank Conely / Torrington, Conn. / 1906"; interior: border of maple leaves signed: "Hugo Possner, Artist, 1906"; B: cream-colored wooden cross-tree holder with blue outlining and eight (8) arms.


In 1906 artist Hugo Possner decorated this maple bowl as a presentation piece for Frank Conley (1840-1910) of Torrington, Connecticut. Along the rim of the bowl, Possner depicted badges, banners and insignia associated with different Masonic organizations and meetings. Below, Possner painted different symbols, scenes and coats of arms, most modeled on illustrations in Masonic handbooks. Conley belonged to Clark Commandery No. 7 in Waterbury and ran a popular hotel in his hometown. As a boy, artist Hugo Possner moved from Germany to Connecticut with his family. A versatile artist, over his career he decorated cars, designed murals and painted portraits and still lifes. He also taught guitar and ran a confectionary company with his brother. In the early 1910s, he moved to Los Angeles and worked for the burgeoning movie industry. For more information, see blog post, October 28, 2014 http://nationalheritagemuseum.typepad.com/library_and_archives/2014/10/opening-november-22-2014-every-variety-of-painting-for-lodges-decorated-furniture-paintings-and-ritu.html