Wealthy Virginians were known to celebrate special occasions with punch, a festive drink made from a mixture of spirits, lemon or lime juice, sugar, nutmeg, and other spices. Its presentation was enhanced by the often eye-catching punch bowls from which it was served. This punch bowl was likely brought to Mount Vernon by Martha Washington from her first marriage. With its delicate design, exquisitely executed in vibrant over glaze enamels of the famille rose palette, it is the oldest and perhaps the finest piece of Chinese export porcelain known to have been owned by the Washingtons.